Education Pathways Students and Staff take a trip to the Country
The city was left behind in late April, as a bus headed for Camp Fire Minnesota in Excelsior. Participant students and staff bonded while learning new skills in climbing, archery and group balancing. They were surrounded by turkeys, spring peepers, deer, chipping sparrows, song sparrows, house wrens, brown-headed cowbirds, centuries old trees and more.
The staff of the camp were outstanding hosts and they thought that our group was outstanding. Nix, a youth program naturalist for the environmental education team, remarked, “I’m impressed. Everyone is participating!” “The group brought a lot of energy and everyone kept an open mind to try new and different experiences. I would love to have this group back again,” said staff member Mira. Another leader said, “We’ve worked with 1000s of kids since I’ve been here, and we work with kids of all ages. I’ve never been part of a group who fit in so naturally. I hope they apply for summer jobs here.”
Dan Wendle, Camp Fire Minnesota Program and Event Specialist, sent us the following letter: “In the three and one-half summers, and this past school year I have had the opportunity to teach and learn with a variety of students and campers from preschool to high school and I have never seen a group of students who were as enthusiastic, involved, and determined to try all that we have to offer here at Camp Fire Minnesota as the students and staff of the Education Pathways Program at Camden High School. Participating at the climbing wall and the archery range require skills most young people are unfamiliar and even uncomfortable with when they first come to our camp. Your students had an eagerness to challenge themselves in both these areas that was truly unique to your group. Several of the students expressed their intent to avoid participating in these activities, yet once they were secure in their helmets, harnesses, and knowledge of our safety procedures, they strove to learn the skills we teach and push themselves to overcome their initial hesitations and fears.”
Hmong Career Day
Hmong Pathway Career Day was held at Camden High School on May 13. Almost 40 individuals with different careers presented their professions to students following a program of 12 speakers and music of the popular ZPX-Zong Pha Xiong. A special visitor was retired Lieutenant Elder Ya Lee who shared stories at his table of his experiences as a T-28 pilot. Masters of the ceremony were students Nkauj Hmoob Kjamg and Tristin Khang. A feast of Hmong cultural foods followed. Tong Ge Yang, Hmong Family Engagement Specialist at Camden High was principal organizer of the event.
Included were two 2005 Camden High (formerly Henry High) alumni who presented their careers to students. Phia Yeng is a technician and investigator Army Specialist while Adam Lee is a member of the Minnesota National Guard. Ms. Breedlove wore a t-shirt she has kept for over 20 years from their graduation year. The t-shirt art was designed by former art teacher Seexeng Lee about the time the Asian Cultural Club was established at the school.
Flag Football – A new sport for high school women
Camden High young women have had the opportunity to participate in flag football
offered to Minneapolis high schools this year. In an interview with Mark Heiser, their coach and coach of Camden High’s Men’s Football team, I garnered information as to how this flag football movement got started. Seems that Heiser noticed a message posted by the Minnesota Vikings looking for partners for a one-year pilot program introducing flag football for women. He passed the word to Camden High’s athletic director Michael Landers indicating his interest. Word went through the channels of MPS where the initiative was approved for district high schools, application was sent and accepted by the Vikings who provided funds for two coaches, uniforms, all equipment and expenses for Camden’s varsity and junior varsity teams. Camden also has two volunteer coaches. I stopped by North’s athletic field on Sunday, May 18 where championship games were being held. In the end, North High’s record was first with 7-1, Camden tied with two other teams for second place.
Heiser says that he is having lots of fun with this new endeavor. He says that most of the young women knew little to nothing about the game and are eager to learn. One team member, a Camden High junior, told me with enthusiasm that she likes the competitiveness, the growth in learning and the teamwork.