Beautiful weather for the Third Form Ropes Course Day

Half of the third form gathered at the ropes course Sunday afternoon. Led by their peer Ropes Course Instructors, the participants challenged themselves on the high ropes course and worked together as a team to solve games and initiatives designed to challenge and enahnce their communication and collaboration skills.

Fourth Form concludes Wilderness Expedition

We had another exciting, warm day at Wilderness Adventures Monday. Towards the end of the day, each group cleaned their gear to return and then had a quick shower. The water was a bit cold after the first few groups consumed all the hot water, but even a cold shower was welcome! The class shared dinner together in the pavillion. It was great to see the groups devouring their spaghetti and sharing stories with the other groups. Later that evening the groups gathered for a camp fire and performed skits. What a great way to end a fantastic trip!

Yesterday we saw two groups successfully build and race their makeshift rafts. Today we had the opportunity to see what happens when the raft construction just doesn't quite work! The students kept their competitive spirit, however, and pushed their bits of floating raft to the finish line. You can see it all in the video below.

Second Day of 4th Form Expedition Brings New Adventures

It was a chilly night! This morning the fourth form woke early, made an oatmeal breakfast, and snuck out of the tree canopy to find some sunshine. Some began the day with a 3 mile hike while others hopped on bikes, went canoeing or challenged themselves at one of the two rock climbing sites.

One group found an ivy swing in Craig Creek while canoeing and took some time to play there in the water. Its great to see these groups getting to spend time together doing so many activities. Each student shines at a little something different.

Who knew Andrew could lash so well? His skills came in handy this afternoon when two groups went head to head in a raft building challenge. Supplied with two lengths of rope, five barrells, some 2x4's and a piece of plywood, the students were challenged to build a raft. The winning group would successfully build a raft and race it halfway across the pond and back while maintaining the integrity of the raft. It took the whole team to make it happen. You can check out some video clips and photos below!

Video Raft Building Challenge

Students ponder the materials for the raft challenge

A group heads back out on the trail after lunch

Andrew and Ben on the river

Luke loads canoes at the end of the paddle

Andrew, Andrew, and Henry dry off after a day of paddling, only to get wet again in the raft challenge!

Brandon carries his canoe through a low section of water.

4th Form begins Wilderness Expedition

The Fourth Form Wilderness Expedition began this morning.

We boarded buses at 7 a.m. and at 10:15 we were near New Castle, Va at Wildnerness Adventures at Eagle Landing. The students were greeted by the instructors and split into eight groups of twelve or thirteen students each. The groups were created in advance and reflected a mix of new and returning students. Students were soon oriented to all the backpacking and camping gear they will use throughout the trip.

Following a hamburger and hot dog lunch the groups split off to do different activities.

We look forward to an exciting few days in the Jefferson and George Washington Forests. The leaves are just starting to turn, and the weather could not be better.