Elementary students learn about science, nature

LAKE CITY — Twenty-eight students from Lake City Elementary School learned about nature and science during a recent field trip to Camp Bob Cooper.

Students learned how to create PowerPoint presentations, write letters and send attachments through e-mail, said Patrick Pinckney, the school’s behavior interventionist and parent community involvement liaison.

All of the students who attended the camp are members of the school’s Young Men of Excellence Club, Pinckney said. The majority of the students in the club are in the fifth grade, and one of Pinckney’s goals as the club’s advisor is to prepare the students for middle school and beyond.

Pinckney said the students also participated in canoeing and wall climbing. He said the students were involved in several self-esteem activities and had the responsibility of cleaning after themselves in the dormitory and the cafeteria.

“We had a blast; it was awesome,” said Christopher Carden, one of the school’s assistant principals.

Carden said it was a great learning experience for students, who received encouragement from their peers during team-building activities.

Students had the opportunity to listen to stories at campfires, he said. Elementary students are at the pivotal point where it is up to educators to spark their interest, he said. Carden’s goal as an educator is to “push” students forward and let them know that many opportunities exist in science, he said.

“A lot of students found out that learning can be fun, and the camp really reinforces that,” he said.

Carden said this is the second year that he has attended the camp and that each year camp staff members add new activities for the students.
“This keeps it fresh and not cookie cutter,” Carden said.

The Cooper Leadership Center is located on a 110-acre peninsula on Lake Marion near Summerton, according to Clemson University’s Web site.

Lodging and dining facilities are on the shores of Wyboo Creek, the Web site states.

The half-mile-wide Wyboo Creek offers large recreational areas for basketball, beach volleyball, softball and football as well as fields for off-water workouts. There is also a large gymnasium with ample floor space and classrooms for groups to use during their stay.