By Marie-Aude Belanger, Community & Events Manager and current 4th & 5th grade mom.
Lessons from a few magical days with the 5th grade at Headwaters Outdoor School
This past week, I had the incredible privilege of chaperoning our 5th graders on their first trip to Headwaters Outdoor School. While I felt prepared logistically, I have to admit—I was nervous! Not for the kids, but for myself. The idea of a week-long outdoor adventure promised a mix of excitement, a test of my patience, and probably a little sleep deprivation. I remember thinking, Why exactly did I volunteer for this?
But here’s the real story: volunteering as a chaperone turned out to be one of the most rewarding, enriching, and joyful experiences I’ve had in our school community. It’s a chance to deeply connect with your child, their classmates, our incredible teachers, and the heart of what our school stands for.
Here are five unexpected, wonderful gifts from stepping into the woods with our spirited 5th graders:
🌲 1. Seeing teachers in their element
There’s something profoundly moving about watching your child’s teacher guide, inspire, and laugh alongside the students. You witness teachers in their true element—the world as their classroom—responding with genuine care and presence, to homesick moments, scraped knees, a group dynamic needing tending, or a quiet moment of wonder.
🤝 2. Witnessing each child’s uniqueness
Outside of classroom routines, children reveal themselves in fascinating new ways. You’ll see the quiet observer who always knows exactly where everyone’s water bottles are, the natural fire-builder who seems to have been born to the wild, and the witty one who lifts everyone’s spirits at just the right moment. These aren’t just your child’s classmates—they become young people you deeply admire. And perhaps most powerfully, you see each of them visibly grow—in confidence, awareness, and kindness.
💛 3. Experiencing genuine group dynamics
One evening, a group of students spontaneously crafted a poem and a beautiful drawing for Tim, the owner of the school and land, as a heartfelt thank-you. Moments like this capture the profound beauty and generosity that thrive in shared, unplugged experiences rooted in nature.
📚 4. Growing through discomfort and discovering new learning Camping does come with its challenges: chilly nights, insects, darkness, and very long days—just to name a few. Yet navigating these small discomforts side by side with the students builds resilience, trust, and a powerful sense of shared accomplishment. As a chaperone, you’re not just supervising; you become a learner too. From mastering primitive fire-making to enjoying spontaneous campfire songs and gaining deeper insights into caring for our planet, you return home enriched, inspired, and transformed by a classroom without walls.
☕️ 5. Creating unforgettable bonds
There’s something deeply nourishing about gathering around a campfire, sharing stories, laughter, and meals in nature alongside teachers, fellow parents, and the children you’re caring for. These cozy, authentic moments foster connections far richer than quick chats at drop-off or hurried emails. They weave together a stronger, warmer community, reminding you that you’re part of something truly special.
If you’ve ever hesitated about chaperoning a school trip, consider this your gentle nudge to say yes. It’s more than supervising children—it’s stepping into a joyful community, embracing adventure, trusting the process, and letting the experience surprise and transform you.
So go ahead, embrace the mud and the magic. You’ll be glad you did.
