Every September, Bryant 5th graders visit IslandWood for 4 days/3 nights of environmental education. Located on Bainbridge Island near Seattle in Washington State, IslandWood is a unique 255-acre outdoor learning center designed to provide exceptional learning experiences and inspire life-long environmental and community stewardship. We feel that all 5th graders should attend IslandWood together. To that end, classes begin their fundraising efforts a year in advance with the 4th Grade Back-to-School Ice Cream Social, Bake Sales, Coffee Sales, and Printer Cartridge/Cell Phone Recycling proceeds. Each family is asked to contribute a set amount towards the goal of every student going to Bainbridge. More about IslandWood.
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I first heard about Islandwood Outdoor Education school six years ago when my son was in Kindergarten. I thought “how nice, they go to 5th grade camp, I wonder if there is archery” – that’s what I did at 5th grade camp! A short two weeks after the start of school this year, during a beautiful stretch of summer weather, I had the pleasure of being one of the chaperons to the 84 5th graders to this year’s Islandwood camp on Bainbridge Island. It was a fantastic experience for kids and adults – and there was no archery! I heard one student say “it was fun, but we worked harder than when we are at school!” 