The Halloween Carnival: A 6th Grade Field Trip Tradition in Lakeview, Oregon

In the small community of Lakeview, Oregon, there is a yearly tradition for 6^th graders. This tradition is an end-of-the-year field trip lasts approximately three days and recognizes 6^th graders for their accomplishment of ending their elementary educational career and beginning their junior high educational career.

Community Fundraising and Fun Events

The tradition of the 6^th grade field trip dates so far back that I cannot tell you when it began. The field trip leads the kids on an educational trek from Lakeview to Portland and back. As the children's excitement boils beyond containment they are eager to begin the fundraising events.

The first fundraising bang of the year begins with the traditional Halloween Carnival. Oh boy, does this event draw a crowd. The middle school allows the children to set up carnival games in the gym. These games include bowling, fishing, cake walks, golfing, basketball, coin tosses, and the famous jail where you lock your parents up!

Each person, upon entering the carnival, purchases carnival tickets or a carnival band that allows them limitless access to all games with the exception of the cake walk and coin toss. At most games you are always a winner. Kids receive small Halloween trinkets and candy as winners.

This carnival serves three purposes. The first purpose is to fundraise for the field trip. The second purpose is to provide a safe environment for all for both the young and the old. The final reason is to provide pure home town country family oriented association in a warm environment.

In addition, the children also provide other entertainment, food, and a variety of hot and cold drinks. Although the parents are large contributors to the event and supervise, the children actually tend to the booths, food court, and entrance tickets. As one of the largest fundraising events of the year, the money raised measures close to the money that is raised by car washes, bake sales, and even the Valentine "girlfriends" movie and chocolate bizarre weekend.

Field Trip Destinations