Class of 2020 Takes on Cav Camp

Filled with enthusiasm and anxiety, the International Baccalaureate (IB) freshman class of 2020 attended Cav Camp the week of June 13. On the first day, each camper was assigned randomly to a time period.  In each group there were several Small Group Leaders (SGLs) that gave campers a glimpse of what Gables is like. The SGLs took campers on a tour around the school, scavenger hunt, and familiarized them with the school. Campers got a peek at what the next four years of their academic life would be like. The ultimate goal for each group was to create a time capsule, music video, and skit corresponding to their era. A group of alumni judges then decided which group had the most creative and well decorated items at the final showcase on Friday, June 17.

Throughout the week, the campers participated in several activities ranging from ice cream making to human pyramids. Campers reported to their homerooms every morning and worked together to prepare their final showcase while simultaneously exploring the school grounds. Freshmen also got to meet some of their new teachers and worked with them to put together their final projects. In addition to the group activities, campers reported daily to Diner 9 where they got to meet freshmen from other groups and engaged in small dance-offs with SGLs.

“It’s an experience that is totally worth waking up early for on the first week of summer. Although a lot of campers knew each other, there were a good handful of campers who were shy and did not know anyone, but by the end they had an entire set of friends which made them less nervous about their first day,” senior Guneet Moihdeen said.

Despite the competitive ambiance, the camps purpose to create an enthusiastic environment was a success. The 2010’s took the victory home and got to bury their time capsule, which they had been working on the entire week, in the school patio. They will have the opportunity to dig it up when they graduate in 2020.

The incoming freshmen left filled with Cavalier spirit and ready to start high school in August. In addition, camp volunteers were given an opportunity to exude Cavalier pride and share their unique experiences at Gables. It was through various bonding activities that the class of 2020 really felt integrated into Gables. Cav Camp concluded with a game day where the students were also able to enjoy complementary  ice cream and Domino’s Pizza.

“Cav Camp has been a truly amazing experience for me. Aside from allowing me to meet many people and great memories. It has facilitated my transition from middle to high school,” freshman Mariana Lorentz said.

All in all, the camp would not have been possible without the International Baccalaureate Honor Society and the club sponsor, Ms.Noval, that put everything together and made Cav Camp a tremendous success.