The 5th annual IB CavCamp took place from June 9 to June 13. This week-long camp was planned for the incoming IB freshmen of the Class of 2018. Freshmen came and explores the wonders CGHS has to offer.

The highly successful camp was coordinated by the International Baccalaureate Honor Society (IBHS) President Marianna Babboni and Student Council President Valerie Montesino. The two seniors assembled all of the activities that the incoming freshmen participated in.

“Planning Cav Camp was more stressful than actually being at camp. Making sure that the teachers and student volunteers knew what was planned per day was a challenge, but as soon as camp began it went smoothly. Marianna and I met multiple times to plan the volunteer lead sessions. At the end of the day, we wanted the campers to have fun and enjoy their week at Gables,” Montesino said.

This year’s theme was based on the idea of the hit show Shark Tank. Eight teams of incoming students were challenged to create a business plan for an ice cream company in only a week. Mr. Molina, Ms. Noval, Ms. Zaldivar, Ms. Benchetrit, Ms.Phillips, Ms. Barrow, Ms. Cosgrove, and Ms. Zuniga were the groups’ leaders throughout the week, and were also assisted by volunteers (sophomores, juniors, and seniors who dedicated their time to work with the new Cavs). Throughout the week, the freshmen learned to create ice cream in a lab, measure calories, and calculate their expenses. Students were also able to enhance their presentation skills and created slogans for their companies.

As a special treat, students enjoyed ice cream from a popular company, ChillN, who also went through the Shark Tank process. The owners of the ice cream shop spoke with the freshmen and attempted to assist them in their business-making competition. Made in front of their eyes, the freshmen were astonished to experience the new and unusual way to create ice cream.

“The ChillN owners gave an inspirational presentation about their business, and not only that but they gave us ice cream made in front of our eyes. It had such a fresh taste and I will definitely go back to buy ice cream at ChillN,” volunteer Tania Nieto said.

On Tuesday, the volunteers gave the freshmen an informative tour of the school. Passing by each hallway, the faces of the students were filled with excitement. Later that week, the students participated in a competitive scavenger hunt all throughout the school, using the information they learned from their tours.

The final day of CavCamp was filled with creative presentations and many eager faces. The time finally came where the students had to present their business plans. Each group was very unique and used a variety of techniques to appeal to the audience. Unfortunately, only one team could win. Group 6, Ms. Benchetrit’s group, took the winning prize, a free ice cream at ChillN. Once the presentations were finished, students got to eat pizza and play on inflatables.

“CavCamp was an extraordinary experience. I had the opportunity to meet familiar faces and new ones as well, and I have a better understanding of the campus. Thanks to CavCamp I have a better chance of surviving my freshman year of high school,” incoming freshman Melanie Wu said.

CavCamp, like every other year, had a successful outcome. All the teachers, volunteers, and students had a blast. Most importantly, the incoming freshmen were able to leave that week with new friends, new experiences, and the feeling of becoming a Cavalier.