Update Regarding Outdoor Lab 2019

Dear 6th Grade Parents,

This communication is to let you know of our plans to give your children the best possible Outdoor Lab experience within the confines of safety. We have determined that the best scenario is a one-day trip for both the Mt. Evans and Windy Peak groups. We will call the excursion "The Best of Outdoor Lab." Both groups will be attending the Windy Peak facility for their excursion.

Here is the rationale for making this decision:
• As of Wednesday, May 1, there were only 12 high school leaders confirmed. For us to ensure kids are safely supervised in all our cabins, we needed 36. Therefore, overnights were not a feasible possibility.
• Our goal is to be well planned and coordinated and a one-day trip allows everyone to plan appropriately. Other options were discussed, but would have created a last minute timeline; thus adding pressure to school and OELS staff, and therefore adding tension to the kids' experience. A one-day trip will also minimize additional stressors like luggage.

Our mission at Outdoor Lab is to be stewards of our community and stewards of our students. The OELS staff is committed to creating a day filled with the "Best of Outdoor Lab," meaning the most popular activities will be included in their day (i.e. archery, teambuilding, campfires, great food, etc).

The dates/times for Everitt Middle School's One-Day Excursions are:
• Tuesday, May 7th (for those who originally attended Mt. Evans) and
• Wednesday, May 8th (for those who originally attended Windy Peak)
• For both trips, departure from Everitt to Windy Peak is expected to be 7:30 a.m. Kids will arrive at Everitt just as they do on a normal day, but will not go to class. Everitt staff will begin loading students onto buses as soon as possible. Those buses will then depart as soon as all attending students are loaded.
• Departure from Windy Peak to return to Everitt is expected to be 6:30 pm for both groups.

We can't always predict the obstacles that life throws our way, but we can make the best of the circumstances. All of us at Everitt and the Outdoor Lab School communities have endured a situation that was less than optimal (having to leave Outdoor Lab early). In an effort to ease the burden on families, there will be no charge for Outdoor Lab. If you have already paid, please contact Everitt's financial secretary for a refund.

Our time together in nature next week will go a long way in building memories that will last a lifetime. We are excited to welcome Everitt students and teachers to the Windy Peak site!

Robb Gneiser
Principal, Windy Peak Outdoor Lab

Jeff Gomez
Principal, Everitt Middle School
Website by SchoolMessenger Presence. © 2024 SchoolMessenger Corporation. All rights reserved.