Area students learn about character at Scout camp

Third-grade students from L.F. Henderson Intermediate School in Ashdown, Ark.,  search a pile of leaves Tuesday, Apr. 5, 2016 during a Learning for Life activity held at Camp Preston Hunt.
Third-grade students from L.F. Henderson Intermediate School in Ashdown, Ark., search a pile of leaves Tuesday, Apr. 5, 2016 during a Learning for Life activity held at Camp Preston Hunt.

School buses full of children rolled into Camp Preston Hunt on Tuesday morning under bright blue skies. About 100 third-grade students from L.F. Henderson Intermediate School in Ashdown, Ark., were there to enjoy the Boy Scouts Learning for Life Character Camp.

Students were split into several groups and took turns going through activities including a nature hike, camp races, water bottle rockets, archery and a rain gutter regatta.

"Learning for Life is our in-school character and career program for kids in pre-K through 12th grade," said Linda Willis, Learning for Life director. "This is something we offer here as an outdoor learning experience. This gives them a chance to do the typical Scouting day. Many of the kids will have many first-time experiences out here. We hear them say things like, 'This is the best day of my life' or 'When can I come back.'"

Willis led a group of children on a hike where she stopped often to talk about nature. She taught them how to spot the green menace, poison ivy.

"Leaves of three, let them be. Leaves of five, let them thrive," Willis said.

Children also heard about types of trees represented in the forest at the camp as well as the types of animals they might see on the hike.

The camp provides an opportunity for leadership students to take part in service-learning projects. Students from Ashdown High School's East Lab helped lead children through activities.

The Texarkana, Ark., Fire Department made a presentation on safety while the students had lunch in the amphitheater.

Emily Freeman, a third-grade teacher at L.F. Henderson, said trips like this are good for the children.

"I think it builds character and allows the students to work together," she said.

Learning for Life holds several character camps per year.

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