Camp Soles

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

We are excited to announce the date for our 57^th Annual Sixth Grade Outdoor Education Program. This year’s trip will take place the week of May 18, 2026 at the Frank T. Soles Camp located in Somerset County. In order to accommodate all students we will go to camp in two separate sessions. The duration of each session is two and one half days.

The program is a combination of outdoor education and recreation with an emphasis on environmental education. The following is a list of some of the activities planned for your child this year:

a.    researching and identifying aquatic insects

b.    investigating wetlands and testing the acidity of lake water

c.     geocaching with PA Game Commission

d.    researching soils in and around our area

e.    catching fish through the supervision of the PA Fish Commission

f.      learning gun safety and usage from an NRA Certified Presenter

g.    learning proper bow usage and archery target practice

h.    boating on Lake Trissan with a YMCA certified instructor

i.      comparing and identifying local flora while hiking

j.      using cooperation to complete a rope course and ride a zip line

k.     participation in team sports, campfire stories and sing-a-long, and other evening activities

The cost of camp for each student is $195.00. This fee includes the expenses for transportation to and from camp, two nights lodging, three days of meals, instruction by outside speakers, and other activities. A $35 deposit must be made in January and the total amount must be paid by May 4, 2026. In order to make the cost less burdensome we will provide a payment schedule. The suggested payment plan is $35 for the month of January, $40 for the months of February, March, April, and May. When paying you can send in cash or check. All checks should be made out to GSMS. Our sixth-grade staff and administration feel that camp, along with all other field trips, is a privilege. Students displaying good citizenship both in and out of the classroom earn this privilege. We expect our students to be hard-working, responsible, well-behaved members of the sixth-grade class. To ensure the safety of every student and maintain the dignity of the program we reserve the right to withhold a student from camp if we feel that his/her behavior may jeopardize the well-being of the group. If it becomes necessary for your child to be placed on camp probation, you will receive notification of placement and the reason. If you receive a probation notice your child will have a chance to change his/her behavior and regain the opportunity to attend camp.

As always, we are asking for your continued support so that all of our students can participate in our Camp Soles Program and have a wonderful experience that will be remembered for years to come.

Please contact Mr. Redinger or Mr. Peoples at (724) 832-2935 with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

6^th Grade Teaching Team

Q:  When is Camp Soles?

A:  The week of May 18 - May 22.

 

Q:  How much does the trip cost?

A:  The cost of this field trip is $195 per student.

 

Q:  Do I have to have a sleeping bag and pillow?

A:  Yes & No - sheets and blankets will be sufficient. You must have something to cover mattress and yourself. No bedding or pillow will be provided. A sleeping bag and pillow do make sense.

Q:  How many suitcases may I bring?

A:  What you bring, you carry. (One suitcase or duffel bag, plus bed roll and backpack or any combination of bedding, one large travel bag or one small travel bag)

Q:  How does my child get toiletries to and from the shower room?

A:  *SUGGESTION - Bring a small mesh bag or bucket with handle. Student can then carry toothbrush, paste, soap, shampoo, conditioner, comb, and wash cloth without dropping anything.

*SUGGESTION - Many students wear a bathing suit to the shower room and carry a towel.

*MUST: Bring flip-flops to walk on path to and from the shower and to wear in the shower. These may be purchased at Dollar Store. Those who wear sneakers usually get them wet.

*NO disposable, or any other kind of razor, is to be brought to camp.

 
Q:  Are snacks permitted in the cabins at Camp?

A:  No student is permitted to bring snacks, drinks or chewing gum to camp. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Chewing gum is frowned upon because of disposal in the wild.

No food is to be brought into the cabins. This is to avoid visitors (critters) at night.

**If a student has a dietary need, a snack or drink will be provided during the night. The staff member in that cabin will dispense appropriate items to student at bed time. This need should be made known to the camp nurse and staff early in May at the Special Needs Meeting.

 
Q:  What should I sleep in?

A:  Any combination of shorts, sweatpants, t-shirt, sweatshirt, or pajamas. The cabins are heated. No student is permitted to sleep in just underclothes.

 

Q:  What if my child has allergies, gets headaches often, gets sunburned easily?

 A:  Students may bring sunscreen lotion to camp. Students MAY NOT bring over-the-counter allergy or headache medication to camp unless properly labeled, documented and given to camp nurse on the first morning of camp. Medical forms must be used for all prescribed and over-the-counter medications. This includes Pepto, Benadryl, Tylenol, Midol, etc.

**Students, who take prescribed medication on a regular basis, must take those medications at camp. This is still a controlled classroom environment. Night activities are equally important.

 
Q:  What do I do if I wear contacts?

A:  Students should carry all necessary items for contact lens in travel bag. It is recommended that student also bring a pair of glasses "just in case".

 
Q:  Do we need to bring our own sports equipment?

A:  No, sports equipment is provided. No bats, balls of any kind, or tackle should be brought to camp.

Students may bring a ball glove, and a fishing pole. Both should be clearly marked with student's name.

**Camp staff are not responsible for missing or damaged gloves or fishing poles.

 
Q:  Are students allowed to hang out in the cabins during the day and early evening?

 A:  No, Students are not permitted to return to cabin for any length of time without an adult. All students are expected to participate in evening activities, even if just as a spectator.
 

 Q:  Can we bring cell phones, ipods, hand-held games, etc?

 A:  Cell phones will not work from anywhere but the upper parking lot. Please do not send cell phones with students. Students will not be permitted to use them.

Please do not send hand held electronic games or MP3 players, etc. Students will have no time to use them. Camp staff will not be responsible for them.
 

Q:  How many students are in a group?

A:  Each group of 10-12 students is supervised by one staff member in addition to the group instructor(s) for that class.
 

 

Q:  When it rains are the classes held inside?

A:  NO, students continue outdoor activities in the cold and rain. We do, however, bring children in if there is lightning, high winds, or hail.

**This is why a pair of waterproof shoes, poncho and a jacket are important.**
**NO student is to carry an umbrella. Please leave umbrellas at home.**

 
Q:  What if my child has lost or has not brought home their permission form?

A:  You can download the attachment below and print it out at home. Then, sign the permission form and send it to school with your child. ***(Wait to download it until it is due in May!)*** 

• Get to Donegal via the turnpike or Route 711 from Ligonier
• Take Route 31 to Sarnelli's  Market and make a right
• Go to the gas station and make a left toward Seven Springs
• Go past Seven Springs about 5 miles
• You will pass Laurel State Park
• At the bottom of a hill you will come to a bridge~cross the bridge. (there will be a small grocery store on your left)
• Make a right
• You will then be on winding roads into Camp Soles for approximately the next 2 miles. (there are no turns)

The items listed below are suggested to help your child have a safe and rewarding outdoor educational experience at Camp Soles. This list has been developed over the years and has been beneficial to parents assisting in preparation for this three-day journey. In filling this list, we hope the cost, if any, will be minimal. 

This list is being distributed now in an effort to help give family members holiday gift ideas to prepare for the Camp Soles experience.  Another gift request your son or daughter could make would be the gift of money to help manage the cost of camp.

There is certainly no need for extravagant camping equipment or clothing.  This outdoor experience is a time for leisurely dress and functional equipment. 

PLEASE SEE THAT ALL CLOTHING ITEMS, SUITCASES, DUFFEL BAGS, AND MISCELLANEOUS EQUIPMENT ARE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE OWNER'S NAME.  EACH STUDENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ITEMS HE/SHE BRINGS. 

SUGGESTED ITEMS:

 

SLEEPING	DAYTIME	BATHROOM	MISC.
Sleeping Bag/Bed Roll	Pants, Jeans, Sweatpants, Shorts	Soap	Large heavy-duty garbage bag for dirty clothes
Fitted sheet/sheet for mattress (single)	Shirts	Shampoo	Handkerchief/Kleenex
Pillow	Underwear for 4 days	Toothbrush	Sunscreen
Blanket	Socks	Toothpaste	Sunglasses
Pajamas	Tennis Shoes (NO Crocs except for shower only)	Deodorant	Bug Spray
	Waterproof Boots	Comb/Brush	Chapstick
	Warm Hat/Waterproof Hat	Bathing suit	Flashlight
	Coat	Shower Shoes	Disposable Camera (Optional)
	Hooded Sweatshirt	Towels (2)	Water bottle
		Washcloths (2)	Drawstring Bag
			Raincoat/Poncho (A MUST)

ITEMS NOT ALLOWED:

CELL PHONES, HEADPHONES, ANY/ALL ELECTRONICS, KNIVES, AND SNACKS (MICE AND OTHER RODENTS COULD BE ATTRACTED!)

2026

GSMS SIXTH GRADE CAMP

Plans are already being made for the 57^th annual GSMS Sixth Grade Outdoor Education Experience at Camp Soles. Camp will be held during the week of May 18^th, in two sessions. Each session will be for two- and one-half days. The cost of camp this year is $195. The full amount may be paid at any time.  IN ORDER TO RESERVE YOUR CHILD’S SPOT AT CAMP, YOU MUST MAKE A MINIMUM FIRST PAYMENT OF $35 IN JANUARY. If a payment plan is desired, please follow the payment plan below.

 

Jan 20-23 (required deposit) $35.00

February 16-20                   $40.00

March 17-20                      $40.00

April 13-17                         $40.00

May 4^th                             $40.00

Total                               $195.00

 

Payment needs to be completed by May 4^th!

 

 

Please make your payments by cash, money order or check made payable to GSMS.

 

* Payment schedule has been provided for your convenience. However, payment amounts can vary.  You may also pay in one lump sum.

6th Grade Camp Week Attendance and Instruction Plan

Dear Parents and Guardians of 6th Grade Students,

We are excited to share important information regarding attendance and instruction during the week of 6th Grade Camp (May 18 – 22).  Our goal is to ensure that all students remain engaged in meaningful learning while maintaining consistent expectations for attendance and accountability.
During the week of 6th Grade Camp, all 6th grade students are required to attend three in-person days of school.

• Students who attend 6th Grade Camp will fulfill their three required in-person school days while at camp.
• Students who choose not to attend 6^th Grade Camp will be required to report to GSMS for a normal school day on Monday 5/18, Tuesday 5/19, and Wednesday 5/20. 

In addition, the following online learning expectations will be in place:

• Students attending camp on Monday–Wednesday (May 18 – 20) will log into Microsoft Teams from home for two online learning days on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22.
• Students attending camp on Wednesday–Friday (May 20 – 22) will log into Microsoft Teams from home for two online learning days on Monday, May 18 and Tuesday, May 19. 
• Students who choose not to attend 6^th Grade Camp will log into Microsoft Teams from home for two online learning days on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22.

·         Students who are attending 6^th Grade Camp as a day student will attend camp Monday-Tuesday, will be in person at school on Wednesday, and will log into Microsoft Teams from home for two online learning days on Thursday, May 21 and Friday, May 22.

Information regarding the specific schedule and expectations for these online learning days will be shared with families prior to the week of camp.

We appreciate your partnership and support as we work to balance enriching experiences, such as 6^th Grade Camp, with strong academic and attendance expectations.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s homeroom teacher or Mr. Peoples, camp director, at jeremy.peoples@gslions.net

Sincerely,
6^th Grade Team