On August 31, the sixth graders at Mayfield Middle School went to North Springfield, Pennsylvania to attend a three-day sixth-grade camp at Camp Fitch. The sixth-grade staff, two counselors, and one administrator also attended, as did a group of high school students, who served as counselors.

The students and staff took school buses to and from camp Fitch.  This trip was an overnight stay through September 2. Students stayed in dorm-like accommodations separated by gender. The dorms were spacious with between ten and twenty bunk beds in each room.

Each day began with a flag raising ceremony and then the students had activities to do throughout the day. These included rock climbing, archery, outdoor cooking, hiking, challenge courses, canoeing, orienteering, amphibian/reptile exploration, pioneer skills, survival skills, campfires, and more. Students were not allowed to bring any cell phones or electronics to limit distractions. All meals were served in the dining hall, which was also the site of nightly activities and impromptu dancing.

Mr.Paydo, sixth-grade guidance counselor, believes that out of this experience, the sixth graders learned how to work together, how to survive in the wild, and how to interact with nature.