MVMS celebrates return to school with Camp Falcon

Meadow Valley Middle School students had just two days to settle back into their school routines before heading to the 4-H Camp in Alamo for the school’s fourth annual Camp Falcon.

The annual trip gives students an opportunity to begin the school year outside the classroom while building relationships, school spirit and leadership skills.

Principal Dr. Michael Roth explained that Camp Falcon was created in part because students from three elementary schools come together at Meadow Valley Middle School each fall. Staff are intentional about helping those students transition from their individual elementary schools into one middle school community.

The 4-H Camp staff provided a full day of activities for students, including archery, rock-wall climbing, low ropes courses and more.

Students moved through the activities in groups known as “Lighthouses,” part of Meadow Valley Middle School’s Leader in Me program. Staff created a rotation that allowed each Lighthouse to experience the different activities throughout the day.

Camp Falcon also incorporated learning into the outdoor experience. Mr. Travis Pearson led a science station centered around the camp pond, where students had the opportunity to examine their surroundings and use microscopes as part of their exploration.

Throughout the day, Lighthouse groups could earn points by demonstrating the school’s “3 E’s,” being Enthusiastic, Empathetic and Effective. The leadership qualities encouraged students to support one another, participate and work together as they took on each new challenge.

For some students, that meant trying something outside their comfort zone, whether climbing the rock wall, picking up a bow or working through one of the camp’s team-building activities.

While the trip gives students a chance to have some fun at the beginning of the year, Dr. Roth said its impact continues after they return to campus.

“Over the past four years we have seen a big difference in the way our school feels after the students return,” Dr. Roth said. “We believe we can become the best middle school in Nevada, and it starts with creating a warm and positive culture.”

With students coming together from different communities throughout the area, Camp Falcon gives Meadow Valley Middle School an opportunity to establish that culture from the beginning, bringing students together as one school before the year gets fully underway.