Over 100 students in the Upper Adams School District are eagerly anticipating packing their bags for a long-standing tradition of Environmental Camp at Camp Nawakwa in Biglerville. The students will participate in three days of outdoor learning during the day and sleep in cabins on site for two nights on May 13-15, 2026.
Now in its 51st year, the camp is a culminating activity of the district’s fifth grade science curriculum, giving students an opportunity to step outside the classroom and experience nature firsthand while building friendships and life skills. Camp leaders including Amanda Deardorff and Jenna Landis have participated in the past and now enjoy helping as staff members.
The camp is made possible through generous community support from organizations including the Upper Adams Lions Club, the Arendtsville Lions Club, the American Legion, the Canner Foundation, the Upper Adams Jaycees, and numerous private donors who believe in the value of hands-on environmental education for local youth.
Throughout the three-day program, students participate in a wide range of activities designed to encourage teamwork, respect for living things, and a deeper understanding of ecosystems and the importance of maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Each morning begins early, as students awake at 7:30 a.m. to gather for group exercises followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After breakfast, the day’s adventures begin.
Students take part in group dynamics activities, helping them learn communication and cooperation skills while building stronger connections with their classmates. A highlight for many is the hike to Upper Temple, where students explore the picturesque surrounding landscape and learn about local ecology. Students enjoy the hands-on stream study opportunity as well.
Hands-on learning continues with creative and outdoor survival activities. Students design and make their own camp T-shirts, try their hand at geocaching, and learn how to build shelters in the wilderness, gaining practical knowledge about outdoor safety and resourcefulness.
Of course, camp wouldn’t be complete without time to relax and have fun. Students enjoy recess, campfire songs, knot-tying lessons, square dancing, and other classic camp traditions that create lasting memories.
Guest speakers also add depth to the experience. The students learn about fur trapping. A park ranger from Pine Grove Furnace State Park visits to talk about local natural resources and conservation. Representatives from Strawberry Hill Nature Preserve present to the students, too.
For many students, the camp becomes one of the most memorable parts of their school years. Beyond learning about nature, the experience helps foster independence, teamwork, and an appreciation for the outdoors. Some students return years later as high schoolers to volunteer as camp counselors.
“Camp is is a valuable experience for our students, and it is our goal to continue providing this opportunity for as long as possible,” said Upper Adams Intermediate School principal Sonia Buckley, She invites anyone interested in donating funds toward the camp experience to mail or drop off donations at Upper Adams Intermediate School located at 136 Fohl Street, Arendtsville, PA, 17303.