In October every year, GCAMS seventh graders participate in one of the highlights of the Middle School years; the annual Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program (LEEP) trip. The purpose of the LEEP program is to bring environmental learning out of the classroom and into the environment! At Lutherlyn, students take part in activities such as: ecosystems comparisons, stream study, predator/prey relationships, and natural resources/sustainable living. They also work on individual confidence and team building activities based on trust and cooperation. This program augments the GCAMS science and social studies curriculum and is used to meet several of the state’s environmental education standards.

The LEEP program is one and a half days in length. Half of the seventh grade class attends at a time. Students stay in all-weather cabins with ten students and two parent or teacher chaperones per cabin. Each cabin has two separate bathrooms with a private shower in each. Cabins are heated. Bunk beds are provided. Students must bring their own sleeping bag or sheets, pillow, towels and personal items. Meals are served in the dining hall.

The LEEP trip is paid for through student and faculty fundraising and a contribution by the school district. Students are tentatively expected to pay one half, or $35, to attend. Sixth graders have the opportunity to earn their portion of the expense through a Howe’s Fundraiser which is held prior to Easter each year. General fundraisers include the Fall Spirit Wear Sale, and the 5^th & 6^th Grade Fun Night.

Parents will be invited to an informational meeting in the fall.

For more information, or to volunteer as a chaperone, contact joanschilling@gcasdk12.org.