
Camp Paxson 2025
For over 43 years, Sussex School has kicked off the year with an all-school camp—a beloved tradition that brings our community together. This annual excursion is a chance to welcome new families, reconnect with returning ones, and deepen our sense of community. Along the way, we all learn a little something about nature, friendship, and ourselves.
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This year, we’re returning to Camp Paxson on Seeley Lake. All costs for students to attend is covered by the school. Parents of Kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grade students are strongly encouraged to attend with their children. We also rely on parent volunteers from all grades to help with transportation and to support camp activities.
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Important Notes on Driving & Volunteering:
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Parents who wish to drive students other than their own for any school trip, including Camp, must complete a background check and undergo fingerprinting.
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Driving only counts toward your parent volunteer hours if you are transporting other children in addition to your own.
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To complete the background check, follow these steps:
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Fill out the Consent to Fingerprint form and email it to Lisa.
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Schedule a fingerprinting appointment at the Sheriff’s Office (select “Fingerprinting” from the drop-down menu) or contact the Missoula Police Department at 406-552-6303.
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Bring your completed fingerprint card to the Sussex front office along with a copy of your vehicle insurance.
Please note that processing takes approximately three weeks, so plan ahead if you would like to drive for camp.
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Please use the linked sign-up sheet to indicate if you can attend and volunteer—it's due August 22. Teachers will assign volunteer roles at Camp based on what’s needed.
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Teachers will organize a range of activities, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, art, group games, and outdoor challenges. Some activities will include parents, while others are designed to help students bond with their teachers and classmates.
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We can’t wait to share this adventure with you!
September 4th for Zap/Zep & September 5 for Zip!
All Students
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Sack Lunch & Snacks
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Complete Change of Clothes
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Warm Layer
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Sun Hat
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Rain Gear
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Swimsuit & Towel
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Shorts
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Comfortable Closed-Toe Walking Shoes
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Extra Shoes
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Life Jacket (if you have one, please label)
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Water Bottle
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Sunscreen
Optional Items
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Compass
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Camera
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Binoculars
Student Packing List
Zap/Zep Camp:
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Sept. 4th: 5th–8th graders leave Missoula by 7:30 to arrive at Camp by 8:30am and leave Camp at 5:30pm.
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Parent drivers are welcome to stay at camp, return to Missoula, or are invited back to camp for the 3:30 Sing-Off and 4:15 Science Challenge.
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Sept. 5th: 5th–8th graders have regular classes on campus.
Zip Camp:
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Sept. 4th: K–4th graders have regular classes on campus. AfterCare will be offered.
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Sept 5th: K–4th graders leave Missoula by 7:30 to arrive at Camp by 8:30am and leave Camp at 3:00pm to return to Sussex. There is no AfterCare on the 5th.
For All Campers:
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Help your child pack.
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ALL students and parent volunteers need to bring a sack lunch, a water bottle, and snacks for the day.
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Please park in the lot as you enter Camp. Parking is limited, and carpooling is encouraged!
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No dogs allowed at Camp.
Parent Hours: It takes a village to make Camp a success! Please be sure to complete your background check and fingerprinting before signing up to drive.
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A quick reminder: Driving to Camp only counts toward your parent volunteer hours if you are transporting children other than your own.
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Thank you for supporting this important community experience!
Camp Details
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