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.

Rapidan rafts the Gauley River

Rapidan participants have been honing their whitewater kayaking skills this fall. Last Saturday, they had an opportunity to experience big whitewater while rafting the lower section of the Gauley River in West Virginia. Instructors Paul Vickers and Jim Reid were excited the students had the opportunity to experience the type of whitewater available as they improve their paddling skills.

It was a little cold on the river, but no one hesitated to enjoy everything it had to offer Saturday.

Back in their kayaks and eager to practice, Rapidan heads to the Rappahannock River today for a paddling trip.

Prepared to Paddle

All On Board!

A nice calm section of the lower Gauley

Its not that cold...

Wet and happy after a good day of rafting

4th Form Ropes Course Day #2

A group of 30 fourth form students met at the ropes course Sunday for a day of team building. The students worked together to solve challenges. In one game, the students had to figure out how to flip over a tarp while standing on it and without stepping off. The teams battled hard in the climbing competition knowing that a hefty gift certificate awaited the team with the most points.

Students help each other across the zig-zag. Some participants were blindfolded for an extra challenge.

Brantley carefully traverses the Mohawk Walk. The whole team must work together to make it from one end to the other without stepping off. If you step off, the whole team must begin again.

Intructor Nick pictured here with James and JP as they prepare to climb.

Connor takes a peak through the window on the Carolina Climbing Wall

Peter pulls himself up the Alpine Tower

Perry takes a minute to take in the sights

Rapidan starts year with hike to White Oak Canyon

Rapidan took a hike at White Oak Canyon Friday. It was a gorgeous day for a dip in the natural pools and slides available in the canyon. During the week, the team learned the basics of kayaking during some sessions in the pool. Now that we can all perform a proper wet exit, its time to learn the eskimo roll!

First 4th Form Ropes Course Day

Twenty-eight students in the fourth form gathered at the Ropes Course Sunday afternoon. New and returning students were put in teams that worked together to complete challenges and to compete in the climbing competition. Team two walked away with a gift certificate to the Fir Tree, but both groups had a great time at the ropes course!

Ropes Course Day Video 9.11.11

A team strategizes during a game of "balloon stomp"

Wilson helps Greer find his target in "tank"

Ready to climb?

Trent and Sabin await the next member of their team to hoist over the challenge wall

 Here he comes!

Rock Climbing at Seneca Rocks

Teddy, Jason, and Miguel spent the spring of 2011 learning advanced rock climbing skills. Over the course of the trimester, we learned self-rescue techniques and how to set up a top rope, we were introduced to anchor building and climbing site management, and we learned basic first aid and CPR. In May, we took a  trip to climb Seneca in West Virginia. With the guides at Seneca Rocks Climbing School we made a successful summit via the Conn's West Direct Route.

Teddy, Jason and Miguel at Seneca Shadows Campground the day before their climb.