In an effort to both enhance students’ learning experience and provide opportunities equal of those districts around it, the Wright City R-II School District is looking to incorporate a fifth-grade camp into its curriculum.The idea was presented in the fall, and a committee has been researching the options for the past several months. During the monthly board meeting on Jan. 23, West Elementary Principal Patrick Wallace and Middle School Principal Doug Smith presented the group’s findings and recommendations.“We were fortunate to have a number of very committed members,” said Smith.The committee reviewed three camps and visited one, deciding to recommend Camp Manitowa in Benton, Ill. The others considered were Camp Lakewood in Potosi and Lake Williamson in Carlinville, Ill.School officials say they want to add an outdoor learning experience similar to the ones utilized by surrounding districts, such as Wentzville and Fort Zumwalt. The Camp Manitowa experience offers students a three-day, two-night outing with curriculum tied to standards provided by the camp itself. This particular camp offered curriculum more learning based than just recreational, which was enticing to the committee.“We met with the owner, and he was very accommodating and flexible to our needs,” said Smith.He and Wallace reported that Camp Manitowa was appealing for a number of reasons, including cost efficiency and the provision of indoor and outdoor opportunities. The camp, located 147 miles away, also offered fall dates, as the district would prefer a September or October trip.Priced for 140 students, it’s anticipated the cost would be $140 per student. The responsibility for the fees would be dispersed three ways. It is expected the parents’ cost would be between $50 and $75. The expense would be supplemented by building-selected fundraisers. At that point the school would cover any remaining cost to ensure every student the opportunity to attend. Total cost for the entire experience would be $19,685.07. The proposed cost at Camp Lakewood would be $23,309.84, while Lake Williamson cost $20,210.90.Wright City R-II School District