6th grade camping trip, march 27th to march 30th, 2019

6th Grade Expedition
The 6th Grade Expedition is a 3-day extension of Western’s science and history curricula into the Hill Country around Enchanted Rock.  We will explore in depth the geology of the Edwards Plateau and the Llano Uplift.  We will see the stars and planets through one of the school’s large telescopes.  We will visit the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, and students can join the optional trip to the Texas State Capitol and the Bullock Texas History Museum in Austin.  We will be camping out at Inks Lake State Park for 2 nights (and an optional 3rd).  We will do plenty of hiking, and even professionally-guided rock climbing.  This is a community event, and every year more dads join the adventure - last year there were 25.  This trip is one of the great highlights of a Green Jay’s career!

Expertise & Funding
The Expedition is lead in part by Dr. Joel Saylor, assistant professor of geology at the University of Houston.  Dr. Saylor has generously secured funds from the National Science Foundation that pays for a significant portion of the field trip.

Cost
There is no cost for the basic trip thanks to the funding mentioned above.  The rock climbing (lead by Texas Climbing Adventures) costs $70 per person.  We ask that families cover half that fee for students ($35) and the full fee for dads who wish to climb.  

Basic Itinerary
Wednesday, March 27 - Leave WA early, explore the WWII museum in Fredericksburg, then set up camp at Inks Lake.
Thursday, March 28 - Spend the day doing a geology hike, rock climbing and caving at Enchanted Rock.
Friday, March 29 - Morning geology hike along the canyon, then a parting feast at a local restaurant.  For those staying for the optional day: swimming, fishing and more camping.
Saturday, March 30 - Visit the Texas History Museum and tour the State Capitol, then head home.

Boys should not bring with them anything that has an on/off switch. (And the rest of us will avoid using such devices except when absolutely necessary, of course...)

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.

Thanks so much! We are looking forward to a GREAT trip!
Sincerely,
Larry Monks
Western Academy
mailto:Larry.Monks@WesternAcademy.net
(713)459-8009