6th Grade Camp

6TH GRADE CAMP FAQ

1. When is 6th Grade Camp?

6th Grade Camp is run by the San Diego County Office of Education. 6th graders will attend camp the week of September 21, 2026. 

2. Who goes to 6th Grade Camp?

Our 6th-grade students. In addition, some of our VMS teaching staff will be attending camp.

3. Does the 6th Grade Camp cost money?

Based on transportation, room/board, food, there is a cost of $460 per student associated with camp. Families can contribute via cash or check at VMS, or online through the VMS Webstore. No student will be denied the opportunity to attend camp due to an inability to pay.  For payment plan information, please contact our Assistant Principal, Ms. Leong at (760) 331-5397.

4. My student has _________________ (allergies, health concerns, special condition) How do I communicate that to the camp?

Students with specific medical concerns should complete the Medication Authorization Form and/or the Medical Statement to Request Special Meals and/or Accommodations form (included in the 6th-grade camp packet).  In addition, our school Health Technician will be in communication with the RN Nurse at Camp Marston about specific cases.  Should you have additional questions regarding health concerns, please contact the VMS Health Technician, Mrs. Racheck at (760) 331-5390.

5. Will my student be able to choose who they are in a cabin with?

Due to the size of our groups and logistics involved with sending our students to camp, we are not able to accommodate specific cabin requests.  Likewise, Camp Cuyamaca does not allow for schools to submit cabin requests.  In addition, one of the primary goals of the camp experience is for students to forge new friendships and relationships with students that they might not normally spend time with on campus.  

6.  How will my student make up for the week of school that they missed?

Since Camp Cuyamaca is an approved outdoor education school, it is fundamentally focused on providing meaningful, standards-based science instruction for students.  So, rather than missing a week of school, students are afforded a unique, hands-on curriculum based on Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and Common Core Standards. In addition, since VMS participates in the 6th-grade camp each year, our teachers have planned their curriculum around the camp week.  6th-grade students who attend camp will not "miss" any instruction.

7.  What if my student chooses not to attend camp? Do they need to come to school still?

Historically, most VMS students have chosen to participate in the 6th-grade camp.  However, each year, and for a variety of different reasons, some students do not attend camp.  Those students who do not attend camp will be grouped into a rotation schedule with the remaining grade level students and will be participating in extension and enrichment activities related to their current curriculum, including projects and science experiments.  Students who do not attend camp should plan on attending school at VMS each day.

8.  Who will be responsible for my student up at camp?  What qualifications does the camp staff have?

As a function of the Cuyamaca Outdoor, all camp staff are fingerprinted and must hold the same certificates and credentials as VMS teachers and staff.  Similarly, the camp is run in much the same way as a school - including a camp principal, teachers (counselors), health professionals, food service workers, etc.  VMS teachers will also be attending camp to support and connect with students during this fun time.  Students will be under the direction of the camp principal and camp staff and, at times, supported by VMS teachers in attendance.

9.  What about facilities?  Are students separated by gender?

Each "cabin" at camp is divided into several "dens" or rooms that hold up to 18 students.  The "dens" all open onto a centralized common room for the members of each cabin to congregate to play board games, talk, etc.  Each cabin (and its respective dens) is gender specific (either boys or girls) and is supervised by a camp staff member of the same sex.  Students spend the majority of their days outside of the cabin - on hikes, involved in activities, sharing meals, etc.  As such, students spend very little time in the cabins except to sleep.  Each cabin has its own attached restroom and shower facilities.

10.  Can my student bring _________________?

Students are encouraged to utilize the packing list provided as part of the camp packet.  Students should abide by school rules regarding what they bring: no knives or weapons, no fireworks, no inappropriate clothing, etc. In addition, Cuyamaca Outdoor School does not allow any electronics (cell phones, video games, etc).  Also, students are not allowed to bring food.

11.  How can I get in contact with my student at camp, especially if they aren't allowed to take a cell phone?

Cuyamaca Outdoor School has no cell phone reception, so even if students were able to bring phones, they would not be accessible by cell phone.  If you need to contact your child for an emergency reason, please contact the Cuyamaca Outdoor School’s main line. We encourage you to write your student letters (be sure to send them the weekend prior to camp to ensure they receive them). Likewise, some parents prefer to write letters and place them in students' luggage for them to read during the week.  

Address and Phone Numbers: 

Cuyamaca Outdoor School (aka Camp Cuyamaca and 6th Grade Camp) 12561 Hwy. 79, Descanso, CA 91916 Office: 760-765-3000. Health Center: 760-765-4110 (24 hours a day when students are present) Kitchen/Child Nutrition Supervisor: 760-765-4108.

Have another question that we didn't answer?  You can contact camp directly at Office: 760-765-3000 or contact MS. Leong at mleong@carlsbadusd.net.