Part of growing older is your perspective on things are changed; such as price tags become more important than the item, rather than seeming like an eternity a months time flies by, and whoopee cushions aren’t funny anymore. Well, on second thought whoopee cushions will always be funny. As a fifth grader my view of Camp Kern was of a fun filled adventure, but returning this week, almost 25 years later, it was seen as more of a sacrifice by the teachers.
Located near Lebanon, which to my surprise is only about an hour away, in my memory it seemed like a day long road trip on the bus, is Camp Kern. It’s a campground that many area fifth grade classes attend every year for two days, one night. The time is spent with a variety of activities in the wilderness, that are both enjoyable and educational. For me, positive memories of the fifth grade were few and far between as when I wasn’t being given wedgies, I was struggling to learn long division. Other than sneaking looks at naked women in National Geographic and playing the earliest version of Oregon Trail on the computer. Camp Kern was my only highlight. I don’t remember a single assignment from 1985, but the memory of making candles that very same year at Camp Kern still remains.
As a fifth grader I didn’t realize all the costs involved in making Camp Kern a positive experience, not just the monetary expense but the time given by my teachers. I didn’t think they had any lives outside of school, I believed teachers existed for the sole purpose to give out homework. It seemed unfathomable that they actually had families, who would want to live with someone who never let you talk or get out of year seat? Camp Kern was their only opportunity to have a night life. Truth be told, teachers are actually normal people. They even have lives and families of their own, which are given up for a night at Camp Kern.
I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the fifth grade teachers of LT Ball, and left to ponder if their sacrifices are worth the memories made at Camp Kern. As much as they love and adore their students, I’m willing to bet that teachers enjoy the sound of the dismissal bell as much, if not more, than the kids. At Camp Kern there is no such bell, it’s around the clock duty, even into the night time hours. All without a single dime of overtime pay. While a ninth grade teacher is home watching a version of C.S.I or maybe grading papers in the comfort of their own home, the fifth grade teachers are holding a Dutch Auction with over 100 rambunctious kids in a mess hall.
Such moments weren’t covered while earning their teaching degree in college.
The argument could be made, it’s only one night, what’s the big deal? However, does your job require that you ever stay over night? If so you are probably compensated for it with pay. All the teachers get for it is a night spent on a bunk bed.
In this the season of thanks, I’m thankful for all the teachers who make the experience of Camp Kern possible by the sacrifice of their time and efforts. Hours and hours of time is spent in preparation and the students never give that a seconds thought. It isn’t much, but the only payment I can offer is the assurance that you are helping to create memories that will never be forgotten.
