2018 Franklin 6th Grade Camping Trip - May 23rd - May 25th


Trip Organizer-
Nick Campbell, physical education teacher at Ben Franklin
nicholas.campbell@franklin.k12.wi.us
414 525-5049

Thank you for visiting Franklin's 6th grade camping trip wiki page. The purpose of this wiki is to provide information about the Franklin 6th grade camping trip. The 6th grade camping trip has evolved throughout the years. It originally started as an environmentally based field trip. However, the past few years the focus has been less on the environment and a greater focus on 21st century skills as well as a transition to middle school. 6th grade students from all five elementary schools are arranged into groups where they will spend 3 days and 2 nights making friends and acquaintances while participating in learning activities. The transformation many students make during this trip as they step outside their comfort zones and interact in structured and non-structured activities with peers from different elementary schools is really neat to observe. On the first day, students are generally a little shy and reserved as they begin participating in the learning activities, however by the last day it's hard to see the divisions between schools.


Up Coming Meetings

  • Optional Informative meeting and video from last year's camp - March 15th at Ben Franklin's Multipurpose Room at 8:00pm.


Structure of Camp


To create a meaningful and educational experience for nearly 300 students this trip is very structured. Students will participate in 10 learning activities over the course of the trip. Each learning activity is 60 minutes long with a 10-minute transition built in to move to the next location and take a bathroom break if needed. There are two sides at Camp, the James side and the Friendship side. The Friendship side is the larger of the two and consists of numerous cabins, where as the James side consists of two large lodges. Students will not find out what side of camp or who is in their group until the Wednesday morning of camp. Students will be mixed with students from all elementary schools. They will have a learning activity group, and a housing group. The majority of time is spent with their learning activity group. These groups vary in size ranging from 15 - 18. Ideally, all groups are designed to have at least 2 or more chaperones, however depending on the number of chaperones a few groups may have a single chaperone.
Camp Whitcomb Mason is located approximately 55 minutes away in Hartland. ( W294N8436 Camp Whitcomb Road, Hartland, WI)

Click the link below to see a list of the learning activities that are tentatively planned for camp. This list is subject to change as teachers and myself brainstorm and collaborate on new ideas.

Learning activities

Camp Fees

The amount that students have to pay varies year to year depending what camp charges us as well as supplies needed. The price for the 2018 trip is still TBD will range between 125 - 130 dollars.The amount your child owes will be sent to you during April or the beginning part of May. Some schools participate in a fundraiser, which can help offset the cost of camp. I am looking for parent volunteers to run the fundraiser for each individual school. If you are interested please contact me. If I do not get a volunteer for a certain school, then no fundraiser will occur.

Forms and Due Dates

There are numerous camp forms that get sent home, and many need to be returned with a parent or guardian's signature. Please click on the link to see the due dates for these forms as well as download them if needed. These forms will be sent home with your child, however for whatever reason you need another copy, they are available online. If you would like to sign them all and turn them in early please add a little note to your child's classroom teacher explaining you downloaded them and are turning them in early.

Chaperone Information

Many chaperones are needed for this trip. If you are available and willing to chaperone for 3 days and two nights please click on the link and read more about the responsibilities. Camp does not charge chaperones a lodging fee, however food cost do apply, therefore chaperones will have to pay a reduce fee of 65 dollars for their trip.

Sample Schedule


Medical Information

Any medication that your son or daughter takes requires necessary paper work so that Franklin Public School's staff members can administer the medication. Prescription as well as over the counter medication ( Advil, Tylenol, vitamins, etc) all require paperwork. Your child's school secretaries will be able to answer any questions you have regarding the proper paperwork as well as the proper packaging of the medication. Please note the a doctor's note is required for all medication, including over the counter. Please plan accordingly, as we are unable to administrator medication with following the proper protocol.

Request to Administer Medication form. One form needed per medication.


Dietary Information

The food at Camp Whitcomb Mason is very good. Damon's out of Menomonee Falls, staffs the kitchen at camp so food is high quality. The kitchen staff does a nice job of making accommodation for people with special dietary needs. If camp cannot make the necessary accommodations, then students may have to bring their own packaged meals that they keep in a refrigerator. A microwave is available to use to heat meals. If you think your child will need special accommodations please email me at nicholas.campbell@franklin.k12.wi.us

Tentative Menu




FAQ