From September 12-16, eighth grade students went to Aberdovey, Wales to experience the Outward Bound program. The purpose of this trip was to allow eighth grade students and their advisories to bond together and step outside of their comfort zones. Both students and teachers agreed this trip was a memorable trip.
None of the eighth grade students thought that they would have survived hiking for six hours or submerging themselves in ice cold water, but during the Outward Bound trip, the students were challenged to do just such things. Eighth grader Patrick Jordan said, “It was fun. We did a lot of things that were challenging, and everyone bonded a lot.”
The eighth grade students were able to go rock climbing, canoeing, hiking, camping as well as engage in many other incredible activities. The trip helped to make long lasting friendships and allowed many people to get to know each other.
Eighth grade student Saya Gallagher said, “I think that I got to know my advisory better in a different way that I don’t think would have happened throughout the year if we just kept just seeing each other in the morning, especially because the people in my advisory aren’t necessarily my closest friends. So I think that that was a good thing because I got to know more about them.”
The eighth grade teachers also participated in the Outward Bound experience. Like the students, the teachers also found that this trip was a great bonding opportunity, as they were able to see their advisory begin to become closer as a whole. Eighth grade English teacher Mr. Boodey said, “I really appreciate seeing the transformational process of the group at the beginning of the week to the end of the week. It really is amazing. I sort of watch and listen and see the moments where it is happening… You don’t get to see that everyday.”
Since the trip happened in September, students have reflected on their amazing adventure. Eighth grader Ella Rakvin said, “During it, it was kind of hard to enjoy because there are all of these difficult activities, but when you look back on it you realize it was fun.”