Cabin Leader Handbook

Understanding The Outdoor Education Student

Fifth and sixth grade students are 10-12 years old. There is a wide range of maturity among students. Boys of this age are usually slightly behind the girls in their physical development. Both are entering a time of intense growth and change.

Students in this age group are quite capable of activities which require reasoning and critical thinking. Students have a strong desire to learn and particularly like to explore, experiment, and discover their surroundings. You must remember that each student is different and has a unique learning capacity. These individual differences must be considered when directions are given to students.

Socially, our students are just beginning to explore relationships with the opposite sex. However, many will still exhibit more interest in friendships with their own gender.

All students have a strong sense of fairness and will be judgmental towards your treatment of themselves and others. Most of these young people will want to form a close relationship with high school aged leaders. Students will look up to you to be a positive role model; they will mimic your behavior and actions.