Photos and Story By Isabella Racine & Mantavius Lebron Presley

Douglas County middle schools opened their doors early this summer to welcome incoming sixth graders for Middle School Transition Camps, giving students a head start before the first day of school.

For many students, the move from elementary school to middle school can feel like stepping into a whole new world. Bigger hallways, changing classes, lockers, new teachers, and unfamiliar faces can make the transition both exciting and intimidating. To help ease those first-day jitters, the Douglas County School System created the camps to help students become familiar with their new surroundings, build confidence, and begin the school year feeling prepared.

From the moment they arrived, students began turning strangers into friends. Through icebreaker activities and team-building exercises, they introduced themselves, met future classmates, and started building connections that could last throughout the school year.

As students explored their new campuses, they toured classrooms, located important offices, and met the administrators, counselors, and teachers who will support them throughout their middle school journey. They also practiced opening lockers, learned to navigate the hallways between class periods, and discovered strategies for staying organized and on schedule.

The experience extended beyond learning the school's layout. Students participated in sample lessons across a variety of subjects, giving them a preview of middle school academics, classroom expectations, and daily routines. Educational videos and interactive discussions answered common questions about the transition, helping students feel more comfortable while preparing them for the responsibilities and opportunities that await this fall.

Stewart Middle School Principal James Richards said the camp provides much more than an orientation to a new building.

"Middle School Transition Camp gives students the opportunity to build confidence, meet new friends, and become familiar with their new school before the first day," Richards said. "It helps ease their fears, creates excitement, and lays the foundation for a successful school year."

By the end of the camp, students left with more than just knowledge of where their classrooms are located. They departed with new friendships, greater confidence, and the excitement of knowing they are ready to begin the next chapter of their educational journey in the Douglas County School System.