5th grade camping trip, January 29th to January 30th, 2026

Dear Parents of Western Academy's 5th Grade,

THAT TIME IS UPON US! We really hope all dads can come to spend this time with their sons and get to know each other better; however, we want to stress that we hope all the boys come even if their dads are unable to make it. Dads are welcome to meet up with the class later during the trip if they are unable to join us from the beginning. We will be camping at 7516 County Road 275, Keechi, TX 75831.

Here's the plan:

Thursday, 1/29: (Lunch - Bring a sack lunch or grab a bite on the way to the ranch.)
Head to ranch in am - Carpool from WA or travel directly from home!

If meeting up at the school to carpool: Please use the Green House entrance after normal 8:15 bell.  If you arrive before 8:15, please park on the side while you wait for dads to gather.  Mr. England will be running check in. PLEASE LET HIM KNOW BEFORE YOU HEAD OUT TO THE RANCH WHO IS IN YOUR VEHICLE.  You may head out after check in or follow caravan with Mr. England and other dads.

Leaving straight from home to the ranch: Please let Mr. Henderson know if you are traveling separately AND WHO IS IN YOUR VEHICLE by EMAIL OR TEXT MESSAGE.

Arriving late / after work: no problem.  Just let Mr. Henderson know via email that you will arrive late and if your Green Jay will be riding the school van or with another dad.

Mr. England will be driving any boys needing a ride in the school van and will leave with the caravan from WA. Mr. Henderson will take up the rear with the school supplies.

Don’t forget: You will also need a mess kit for dinner and breakfast, and a WATER BOTTLE. Everyone should bring rubber boots (gloves are helpful too for boys working on beaver dams). 
Check in: (see options below) and head to Ranch / Lunch on your own / Dinner provided

Friday, 1/30:
Breakfast (provided) / Break camp / Free-time until departure
A van will be available for boys needing transportation and will arrive at WA by dismissal time

This trip is free for all 5th graders and their dads

NEW THIS YEAR: Absolutely no hard liquor can be present on the campout.  Western will provide beer for the dads and kid beverages for the boys.

What NOT to bring:

• Boys should not bring any FIRE-STARTING MATERIALS. We will make only one group campfire. We will NOT make individual/family campfires.

• Boys should not bring ANYTHING THAT HAS AN ON/OFF SWITCH (aside from a flashlight). (And the rest of us, of course, will avoid using such devices except when absolutely necessary.)

• Boys should not bring CANDY or anything else that will generate unnecessary trash. We will be guests at the ranch and intend to leave it in better condition than we found it.

Pocket knives can be brought on the trip, but dads or teachers will keep charge of them and the boys will be permitted to use them only when an adult is present.

Click here to view the packing list.

Directions to 7516 County Road 275, Keechi, TX 75831:  (Google Map Link)

Final Note:

Let’s do our very best to keep our phones put away throughout the course of the campout, except in the case of absolute necessity. This will be some invaluable father-son time!

Thanks so much! We are looking forward to a GREAT trip!
Sincerely,