Camp Fitch is an annual tradition for fifth graders at Poland Middle School during the closing month of the school year. Along with the fifth grade class, students at Poland Seminary High School grades 11-12 get to tag along with the Little Bulldogs to create a memorable bond between each and everyone of them.

This three day long adventure begins at the camp site owned by the YMCA located in North Springfield, Pennsylvania along Lake Erie. 

Camp Fitch student counselors are selected by staff officiants from the Poland Local Schools to make sure the young Bulldog campers get provided a safe and exciting experience.

One of the senior advisors, Brooklyn Bilkie explains this process of getting selected.

Bilkie said, “You start off by writing a one page essay, about why you feel you should be chosen as a candidate, and if selected, you do an in person interview with the board/school faculty answering a series of questions.”

Even though high school  students look out for the fifth graders, parents, teachers, as well as Camp Fitch Staff observe the younger crowd.

Bilkie had also stated, “There is no setlist of requirements to become a counselor; personally, I think the school is looking for someone who is very out going and who can get the kids excited about being at Camp Fitch as well as someone who knows when it’s time to be serious and make sure the kids are safe.”

As Brooklyn Bilkie herself was a camper at Camp Fitch many years ago, this background helped with her reason of why becoming a counselor.

Bilkie said, “When I went to Camp Fitch as a fifth grader, my counselors made the experience very memorable and made me want to come back and do it,” expressed Bilkie.

There’s a list of hobbies to do for the kids on their agenda. Such as canoeing, learning how to churn butter, great lake details, etc.

Bilkie’s favorite events included the “Lake Erie study when we go down on the beach and look for sea glass as well as canoeing and the activities that come along with it.”