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Moravian Academy in Action
Building Leaders Through Outdoor Education: 8th Grade at Camp Oneka
The 8th graders began their school year with a two-day outdoor education and leadership retreat at historic Camp Oneka in the Poconos. Founded in 1908, Camp Oneka is one of the nation’s oldest girls’ camps. Grace Kelly once attended, and today it sits on Fairview Lake, a glacial lake surrounded by Delaware forest.
Students jumped right into the experience—swimming, kayaking, paddling canoes and a giant paddleboard against the wind, and climbing the camp’s rock wall. They also took on team-building challenges, designed and raced PVC derby cars, and worked together to set their vision and goals for their final year at the Swain Campus. Many noticed how much they had grown since their last visit as 7th graders, both in skill and in confidence.
This retreat remains one of our most beloved traditions because it celebrates transition and growth. Students wrote letters to their future selves, planned their 8th grade end-of-year trip, and found time to appreciate the quiet beauty around them—the stillness of the forest, the hum of cicadas, and the joy of being outdoors with friends.
The best feedback came directly from the students: “I wish this trip was two nights!” and “I just love having time to be with everyone.” Camp Oneka launches their final middle school year, reminding them how far they have come and inspiring them for the journey ahead.
