Driver Middle School Sixth Grades Support Camp Good Days and Special Times

The record breaking Upstate New York December snows provided just the right environment as students and staff from the sixth grade team at Driver Middle School (DMS) in the Marcellus Central School District enjoyed a cross country skiing excursion on December 18, 2010. The trip to Orenda Springs was organized as a fund raiser for the Camp Good Days and Special Times program. Camp Good Days is a not-for-profit organization “dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, adults, and families whose lives have been touched by cancer and other challenges.” The Camp Good Days and Special Times program maintains a recreational facility on the shores of Keuka Lake. The residential camping program and the Camp Good Days initiative have grown to become one of the largest organizations of its kind in the country. DMS sixth grade students were invited to enjoy a day of skiing at the Orenda Springs Experiential Learning Center in Marcellus. All equipment, lessons, and the use of the wonderfully groomed trails were donated by John Powers, the owner of the Orenda Springs facility. More than 40 students, staff, and family members participated in this terrific day of family fun and wintertime activity. The wintertime event raised more than $200 dollars for Camp Good Days and Special Times.

In addition to the cross country skiing adventure, the entire sixth grade participated in a “Holiday Kazoo Fest” during the week prior to the holiday recess. Each sixth grade class performed a holiday song using kazoos, innovative vocals, and creative props. Sixth grade students donated money for the kazoos and the more than $150 raised was added to the Camp Good Days and Special Times donation.