by Elaine Menardi
West Grand middle school and high school students enjoyed free summer camps during June.
As part of its 5th Day programs, Colorado AeroLab offered three weeks of great activities at no charge for students entering grades 6-12 in the Fall. Their federal 21st Century Community Learning Center grant covered all student fees including lunch and transportation.
Students took advantage of the great outdoors at the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch doing rock climbing, tubing and canoeing. Archery, roller skating, and mini golf were also great fun. Ziplining was the highlight of the two active days at the Y-Camp.
West Grand Middle School teacher, Mr. Mericle, led students in a day of golfing lessons. Students had the chance to practice at the driving range and on the putting green at Grand Elk Golf Club in Granby, and then played two holes to end the day. Looks like there are some budding pro golfers in the ranks!
West Grand High School teachers, Kara Wilson and Jenn Stuart led the great Cardboard Furniture camp and West Grand Middle School teacher, Hannah Glines worked with Veronica Mericle to put on the Craftstravaganza days. To the delight of students, these DIY camps gave students all the tools and supplies they needed to whip up some cool projects for their families and friends.
The month rounded out with two shows at the Rocky Mountain Repertory Theatre where students watched the dress rehearsals for Sister Act and Disaster. Trips to the Denver Museum of Nature and Science along with a campus visit to the University of Colorado at Boulder included learning about black holes at the Gates Planetarium and touring the Engineering Labs. Students hiked into Rocky Mountain National Park where they earned their Junior Ranger badges. Finally, camps ended with A Summer Day at Winter Park where students enjoyed riding the gondola along with other great outdoor activities. It was the true first day of summer… and it snowed. We all love these Colorado mountain summers!
More great 5th Day programs are coming to West Grand this fall. Be on the lookout for registration information and a special announcement for high school students later this summer. Thanks for all your support for our students and Colorado AeroLab!
