By Claire Ferris, ’21
On the morning of August 28, 2018, instead of driving to school in the glowing morning light and humid air, all four-hundred sixty-eight Upper School students prepared themselves for their respective class trips. Though the school year had just begun, each class approached their trip with optimism and curiosity, using this time as a way to get to know new people and connect with old friends. The class trips served as a break from the newly-begun chaos of school, which quickly kicked back into full swing – with the exception of a hurricane or two – during the month of September.
As they get accustomed to the many new aspects of the Upper School, including the feeling of being at the bottom of the food chain, many PTAA provided snacks, and a completely new and confusing schedule, the Freshman are certainly making the most of their opportunities and freedoms – including the annual trip to Camp Skelton. As a 4-H camp – the Hs standing for head, heart, hands, and health – Camp Skelton encourages students to explore leadership and collaboration through bonding activities. As the Freshmen stepped off the bus at in southern Virginia, they were soon thrust into their first day of outdoor activities. Whether they attempted canoeing or archery or swimming, the Freshmen were busy getting to know new activities and new faces. One Freshman said, “[m]y favorite parts of Camp Skelton were the campfire and the swimming pool. I loved the swimming pool because we had a lot of freedom and we got to hang out with friends. At the campfire, we munched on delicious s’mores, learned new songs, and even heard some ghost stories that all left us frightened. Overall, it was a very fun trip and I enjoyed it a lot.” Camp Skelton sounds like it was a success!
Although they were saddened with the news that it isn’t time for exchange trips just yet, the Sophomores got into the spirit of assistance and giving as they joined their advisories to embark on service trips with their individual advisories. Each advisory visited different service locations around the triangle, aiding programs such as Meals on Wheels, The Ronald McDonald House, Goodwill Community Foundation and Farm, Note in the Pocket, The Food Bank of NC, and several more. The Sophomores also planned activities for their advisories to do together after their service time, such as local parks and venues. One Sophomore says, “I didn’t realize how little I knew about my advisory until we went on the service trips together. I really think we became a lot closer after spending so much time together helping the community.” The Sophomores also presented highlights of their trips to each other on Friday, August 31; the presentations ranged from PowerPoints to videos to a combination of both. The next adventure for the Sophomores is the much anticipated annual exchange trips to China, Argentina, France, and Germany.
The Juniors began the year with an early emphasis on college as they travelled to D.C., stopping in between to visit either the University of Richmond or George Washington University. They toured the Jefferson, MLK, and FDR memorials, in addition to choosing one of five museums – the National Zoo, US Holocaust Museum, National Museum of African American History and Culture, National Museum of American History, or Air and Space Museum – to visit with a group of friends. The Juniors also got to participate in a specially-designed escape room, in addition to paying their respects at Arlington National Cemetery. One student said, “[o]ur experience at Arlington was really neat because we got to participate in a Wreath Laying Ceremony. I hadn’t been to Arlington before, so the whole experience was fascinating to me.” Hopefully, that fascination will stay with the Juniors as they continue to thrive in their third year in the Upper School.
Finally, the Seniors kicked off the year with a trip to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina. They enjoyed their time on the beach and visited local attractions such as Family Kingdom Amusement Park and Ripley’s Aquarium. The seniors enjoyed their first taste of senior freedom, as they got to hang out with their friends during the entire trip and could choose where they wanted to eat or spend time together. “It was a really great, relaxing way to start the year,” said one student, “The only bad thing that happened is that a bunch of people – about thirty or more – got stung by jellyfish.” Good luck to the seniors as they continue their final year of high school!
It may seem like the class trips were just upon us, but the end of the first trimester is creeping closer and closer; as of now, it’s less than a month away. With this in mind, we can’t wait to see CA students continue to charge on in their academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities!