My conversation with a sixth grader

This last Wednesday, I had the opportunity to talk to a sixth grader that just got back from Outdoor School. She is a member of my church's youth group and I have only talked to her a few times. I didn't even know she went to ODS until she walked past me while wearing her wood cookie. That's right, she wore her wood cookie all day just because she liked the experience that much. I noticed a bead on the string and automatically knew it was from Bayleef (a girl SL that I worked with in the Fall). I got into a conversation with her about her 3 short days at Namanu. We shared stories and memories. She showed me her wood cookie so I could tell her all the student leaders that I knew. I asked which field study was her favorite. Plants with Lime. Which cabin she was in. Steens (I was in Steens last Fall). Then, we got to talking about how amazing ODS is. She told me she almost didn't get to go because there almost wasn't enough funding. She told me she wished she could have gone a full week. I agree. She should have gone a full week. Three days are fun, but a week makes an even greater difference. I could tell she had a great time and I just wish everyone could see how happy sixth graders are after their time at Outdoor School. It is a life changing experience that everyone should get the chance to have.