Grade 5 Nature Day and NightFlight Campout: An Inaugural Thaden Overnight to Remember

Last Friday, Nature Day and the inaugural NightFlight marked a meaningful milestone for our Grade 5 students as they participated in their first signature Middle School overnight experience. 

The day began with off-campus exploration, as students released trout at Beaver Dam Tailwaters and discovered the natural beauty of Hobbs State Park through a “Hidden Wonders” scavenger hunt. From hands-on environmental learning to time spent exploring together, the day set the tone for an unforgettable experience.

Back on campus, the excitement continued with a creative tie-in to their English study of Holes by  Louis Sachar, including a spirited advisory “digging challenge” to see who could create the deepest hole. As evening approached, students worked together to set up camp on The Green, building confidence and community along the way.

A special thank you to Coleman for generously providing lanterns, sleeping bags, and tents. The provided resources made the overnight experience possible and comfortable for our students. These tools came to life during an evening of discovery with NWA Space and Science, where students used the lanterns for an interactive game before turning their eyes to the night sky to view Jupiter and its moons through a telescope.

We are also deeply grateful to John and Heather Hudec, parents ’31, who treated students to a classic campout dinner of burgers and hot dogs. Their generosity and care helped create a warm, joyful atmosphere that made the evening even more memorable.

From s’mores and a movie under the stars to a crisp morning of campsite cleanup, this first overnight experience is a meaningful milestone in the Thaden journey, one that builds independence, connection, and a lifelong love of learning beyond the classroom.