Sixth grade students in the Neenah Joint School District will have the unique opportunity for outdoor learning and team building by spending two days at Camp Anokijig in Sheboygan County.
All Horace Mann Middle School sixth grade students and staff will attend the camp, located on Little Elkhart Lake near Plymouth, during the week of Sept. 21-24. Camp Anokijig (An-oh-KEE-gee) was founded in 1926 and sits on 356 acres of forest, fields, rolling hills, streams and ponds. Students will experience a hands-on science curriculum and recreational activities while spending one night at the camp. Horace Mann will have exclusive use of the facilities for the four days.
An anonymous donor has provided $50,000 and pledged another $50,000 over the next five years to support the trip. Families will be responsible to pay $30 per student, while those on reduced lunch will be charged $15 per student and free lunch students will not be charged. The District will pay one-third of the total cost and other donors will be sought for additional funding. Total cost of the experience, including meals, lodging and transportation will be about $36,000 per year.
“This is one of those unique things that helps set Neenah apart,” School Board President Scott Thompson at the August 4 meeting when the trip was approved. “This really helps with the connection coming from the elementary schools to a bigger school.”
For decades, Neenah sixth graders had a similar experience at a camp near Green Lake. However, that experience was removed from the curriculum as part of a budget reduction in 2009.
The District will be creating an endowment to sustain this learning experience over the long term. Anyone wishing to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund may do so through the Oshkosh Area Community Foundation page. Donations can also be made by contacting Director of Revenue Enhancement Jon Joch at 920-751-6800 ext. 10105 or jjoch@www.neenah.k12.wi.us.
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