For the fifth graders at Kent Hills Elementary, the end of the school year brought an experience they will remember for years to come: their very first overnight trip to Camp Roger.
Made possible through a TWN Principal Fund grant, the trip gave more than 40 fifth-grade
students the opportunity to spend two days immersed in nature, building friendships, challenging themselves, and celebrating how far they had come during their elementary school years, and all at no cost to their families.
For Kent Hills, the overnight experience was more than a field trip. It was a culminating
celebration of growth and a chance for students to step outside their everyday routines and
discover what they could accomplish together.
During their time at Camp Roger, students explored the outdoors on nature walks, tested their
focus and courage through archery, took on team-building challenges, climbed the rock wall, and enjoyed games and activities with their classmates. For many students, simply staying overnight in a cabin with their friends was an adventure in itself.
“It was so fun to be able to be with our friends in nature for two days! We got to climb the rock
wall and ring the bell, shoot a bow, and play games. It was my favorite field trip ever!”
— Lillian Johnson, fifth grader, Mr. Milostan’s class
For Ryan Colbert, the cabin experience was a highlight.
“My favorite part was the cabins! We got to just be ourselves and have our own space not at
school.”
— Ryan Colbert, fifth grader, Mr. Milostan’s class
The TWN Principal Fund grant played a critical role in making the experience possible by
helping provide transportation and meals, ensuring that students could fully participate without the cost becoming a barrier. With additional support from the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, along with GRPS Transportation and Nutrition Services, students enjoyed nutritious meals and snacks throughout their stay.
“This was the first year that Kent Hills Elementary was able to do an overnight trip to Camp
Roger—and at entirely no cost to families,” the school shared. “We could not have done this trip without the TWN grant.”
The impact extended beyond the activities themselves. Students had the opportunity to practice teamwork, independence, problem-solving, and perseverance while experiencing the outdoors alongside their peers. Most importantly, they created shared memories that marked an important milestone in their elementary school journey.
The success of this first overnight experience has inspired Kent Hills Elementary to make Camp Roger an annual tradition. With continued community support, future fifth graders will have the same opportunity to celebrate their growth, explore nature, strengthen relationships, and discover new possibilities.
The TWN Principal Fund is helping make experiences like these possible—opening doors for
students and ensuring that every child has the opportunity to learn, explore, and create lasting
memories, regardless of their family’s ability to pay.
