Greencastle Middle School students end summer with a splash

Sixth-grade student Donovan Asbell tests his aim with the water slingshot, part of the obstacle course set up during the Greencastle Middle School Back to School Splash Bash on Thursday.

Although the first day of class is still a few days away, Greencastle Middle School kicked off the 2012-13 school year on Thursday with its annual Back to School Bash.

This year's Splash Bash occurred on the football practice field and featured an obstacle course, Soak the Flag (a variation of capture the flag pitting students against faculty members), board games, prize drawings and a number of other activities.

"It's an annual back-to-school tradition," Middle School Principal Tamra Walker said. "It's a good chance for our kids to socialize with each other and our teachers."

The GMS Parent Teacher Organization purchased prizes for the event, including gift cards for iTunes, Burger King and Walmart.

There was also a drawing to win a Super Soaker water gun.

The students were divided into two groups -- sixth-graders were first, followed by seventh and eighth -- and spend the afternoon enjoying the end of their summer.

Each child also received a popsicle.