We conducted our sixth annual High School Orientation at Camp Hi-Rock from Sept. 9 to Sept. 11. The rain held off until the last day (when we completed the high ropes course, regardless). The students were incredibly well-behaved, responsible, and helpful to each other, to staff and to their teachers. The Hi-Rock staff was excellent, too–leading without psychologizing. They complimented the students’ great attitude–working collaboratively without carping, and no complaining in the rain on the high ropes.
We started with a hike to Sage’s Ravine on the MA/CT border on Wed. afternoon. After supper we had a bonfire, played some ice-breaker games, and talked about the High School. Thursday morning we did some group dynamic challenges at the Low Ropes course. After lunch, students worked to build and race barrel rafts, and then had free time at the waterfront until dinner. After dinner, we had another bonfire. Elizabeth Orenstein broke out the glow sticks–used to spell the school’s initials in one photo and Hi-Rock in another. Some of us stayed by the fire, some went back to cabins, and some went for a short night hike. Friday morning we completed High Ropes course challenges in the morning. After lunch, students, wet, walked to a lodge to play air hockey, ping-pong, or, as it turned out, watch part of “The Princess Bride.”
Parents, thanks for sending us your children. Students, thanks to all for a great trip to start the year. And thanks to Renni Gallagher and Robert Oelhaf or chaperoning.
–Stephen Keith Sagarin, Faculty Chair
