Sixth Grade Camp creates lasting memories at Tall Timber Ranch

NORTH CASCADES — Sixth graders from Icicle River Middle School (IRMS) left their classrooms behind and headed deep into the forest during the last week in May for three days of learning, laughter, and personal growth at Cascade School District’s (CSD) annual Sixth Grade Camp, a beloved tradition held at the picturesque Tall Timber Ranch nestled between the White and Napeequa Rivers about an hour north of Leavenworth.

Surrounded by towering trees, soaring peaks and rushing waters, the camp immerses students in the natural beauty of the North Cascades while teaching life lessons that go far beyond textbooks. 

 For many students, it was their first time away from home for multiple nights, and for all, it was a week filled with growth, connection, and plenty of fun—thanks in large part to the IRMS sixth grade teaching team, including Mandi Muscutt, a Language Arts and Social Studies teacher and the longtime camp coordinator. 

 Muscutt has played a central role in organizing the multi-day experience for the past decade. From coordinating schedules to guiding camp traditions, she ensures that students leave with more than just mosquito bites—they leave with lifelong memories. 

“This camp is a rite of passage,” Muscutt said. “Tall Timber Ranch provides the perfect environment for kids to challenge themselves, connect with their classmates, and learn in a whole new way.” 

 Students participated in a wide range of activities: environmental science lessons, ziplining, fishing, mountain biking, climbing, and the ever-popular capture the flag. Evenings were spent around the campfire, performing skits, and making s’mores. 

 “Capture the flag” has become a legendary tradition at camp—fondly remembered by former campers and eagerly embraced by new ones. 

 “My favorite activity was capture the flag,” said sixth grader Huckson Werdell, adding, “I was surprised by how good the food was, and the counselors were amazing!” 

 Cora Roe, another sixth grader, had high praise for the accommodations. “The cabins were really nice,” she said. Her advice to current fifth graders when they come to Tall Timber next year? “Try everything—even if you might be a little scared, it will be a great time.” 

 The experience is also a reunion of sorts for past campers. Paige Runions, a senior at Cascade High School, returned as a volunteer counselor for the second year in a row. Running her own cabin of eight girls, Runions reflected that “it was a lot of fun and brought back memories of when I was in sixth grade—especially my favorite activity, capture the flag.” 

 “I actually went to sixth grade camp myself as a Cascade student,” Muscutt noted. “And, I’m grateful to and for Tall Timber, which is run by members of our community. It’s a nice collaboration and close enough that we can bring high school counselors, some parents, and get help from organizations like Fish & Wildlife and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance.”

But Muscutt also voiced concern about the future. “We’re a little nervous about next year,” she said. “Everything has become so much more expensive since COVID, and we’ve been funding sixth grade camp with a Washington Outdoor Education grant—but those funds have been cut and are unavailable to us next year. Before that grant, kids had to pay, and we scrambled to fundraise. Some kids just couldn’t afford to go. Now, without the grant and rising costs, I hope we can find a way to continue.” 

Despite the uncertainty, this year’s campers returned to IRMS full of excitement, inside jokes, memories, and stories they will tell for years. Thanks to the partnership between IRMS, CSD, and Tall Timber Ranch, Sixth Grade Camp is a treasured tradition—and a powerful educational milestone. 

Caroline Menna is an intern for Ward Media and a senior at Cascade High School, where she serves as Editor-in-Chief of the school’s Publications Group.