Camp Pelham welcomes incoming PHS freshmen
Published 3:28 pm Thursday, August 3, 2017
PELHAM – More than 100 incoming freshmen attended Pelham High School’s Camp Pelham on Thursday, Aug. 3, to get a head start on the 2017-18 school year.
Pelham High School Principal Amanda Wilbanks said Camp Pelham is an annual event that gives incoming freshmen an opportunity to become familiar with PHS before the first day of school, which is on Aug. 10.
During Camp Pelham, which lasted from 8-11:30 a.m., Wilbanks said students received their class schedules, explored the school and found their classes and lockers, participated in break out sessions with school administrators, enjoyed a fashion show courtesy of the Student Government Association and participated in a pep rally.
“During our break out sessions, we divided the students into groups and our counselors, the attendance secretary and the assistant principal went around to each group to talk to kids about important things they’ll need to know,” Wilbanks said. “They went over the rules and gave them tips on how to make a smooth transition into high school.”
Freshmen Dakota Brown and Cason Tyler said they appreciated the break out sessions the most.
“The rules are not the same as in middle school, so I felt like it was really helpful to talk with the teachers and assistant principal,” Tyler said.
“It (Camp Pelham) was a lot of fun and everybody really helped us out, especially the upperclassmen,” Brown added.
Both Brown and Tyler said they’re not completely familiar with the school yet, but they know enough to find their classes without getting lost.
The SGA’s fashion show educated the freshmen on what types of clothing are acceptable and unacceptable according to the school’s dress code policy. The marching band, cheerleaders, Peer Helpers and PHS Ambassadors also provided assistance during Camp Pelham.
The camp ended with a pep rally where the students learned popular PHS cheers and traditions.
“The pep rally helped get our spirits up, but I’m still kind of nervous about high school,” Brown said.
However, Tyler said he’s looking forward to new experiences and getting involved in the Engineering Academy.
“I’m excited about taking engineering and next year I think I’m going to try dual enrollment,” he said.
Wilbanks said about half of the school’s 249-student freshman class participated in Camp Pelham, but next year she would love to see more students take advantage of the free offering.
See more photos at Shelbycountyphotos.com.