Decades of Tradition Guide Hallmark September Trips
For almost 30 years, Shore seventh, eighth, and ninth grade classes have journeyed north for overnight adventures just as the school year begins. The trips to Squam Lake, Yarmouth Island, and Hosmer Point are hallmarks of the Shore education, says Assistant Head of School and Head of the Upper School Ben Kennedy.
"Strong relationships between children and adults are essential for us," says Kennedy. "The camping trips really allow those relationships to grow. Away from home, children and adults are equally uncomfortable - sleeping on the ground, eating camp food, not showering - and that shared experience builds bridges."
The packing up and journey back to the mainland seemed to come too soon for most. On the way, we were thrilled to be invited to the camp headquarters for the first time in Shore’s history to eat our picnic lunch while looking out over the lake from above. It was another great adventure out in the wilderness of New Hampshire.
GRADE 8: YARMOUTH ISLAND
The eighth grade enjoyed four days of glorious weather on idyllic Yarmouth Island, a wonderful chance for students and teachers to work, play, and get to know each other better.
Rarely has Maine water felt so warm, and students and teachers swam often. We hiked the island in small groups and collected trash that had washed up on the southern shore.
Highlights for many included jumping into the water at South Rocks, and the annual Great Yarmouth Raft Race. When teamed up randomly and assigned to design and build a raft and paddle using only Manila rope and fallen logs, there was instantaneous bonding.
In the evening students were randomly assigned to six cook groups, and each was handed one bin containing food and the menu, and another containing the pots, pans, and utensils to prepare the meals over the open fire or on the small cook stove. A teacher was assigned to join each group to offer advice and help if needed in the process. Willing volunteers surface in each group to prepare and cook the delicious meals including tacos, grilled chicken, a vegetable stir fry, and spaghetti.
The final night's campfire featured s'mores, several student performances, and a spell-binding ghost story from Mr. Griffin.
Eager as we were to take a shower and get cleaned up, we all were sad to leave Mr. Pulsipher's very special island.
GRADE 7: HOSMER POINT
Shore students experienced a wonderful week at Hosmer Point, in Crafterbury, VT, in ideal conditions for enjoying the wide variety of activities. The students lived in cabins in their advisory groups over the four days, and each student challenged him- or herself in four different areas: the farm, team building, wilderness, and waterfront.
With the warm weather, many students took the traditional polar bear plunge each morning. After a delicious breakfast, teams performed daily chores such as wood stacking and apple picking before heading off to their planned activity. Farm experiences included producing apple cider, harvesting vegetables for meals, and making homemade tortillas and fresh herb dip.
Team building challenges were popular, with activities such as the WAH game and a jump rope challenge. During the wilderness experience, students learned how to build shelters in the woods, and took a blindfolded hike to develop trust with a partner. On the waterfront, students enjoyed canoeing, as well as team challenges in the water.
Seventh graders chose from other fun activities, as well, including pumpkin carving, mosaics, mountain biking, and harvesting potatoes during the “dig and dine” farm time. Days were filled with fun, team building, and great social time at meals. Being away from computers and cell phones proved to be easy with so much to enjoy.
An evening lesson in night sight proved to be a great example of experiential learning. Ending the final day with singing and sharing memories around the campfire was the perfect way to end the trip.
See a gallery of photos from all three trips.
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"Strong relationships between children and adults are essential for us," says Kennedy. "The camping trips really allow those relationships to grow. Away from home, children and adults are equally uncomfortable - sleeping on the ground, eating camp food, not showering - and that shared experience builds bridges."
GRADE 9: SQUAM LAKE
This year, preparations for the ninth grade's Squam trip began even before school began. Gear and food were all packed in bins to fit right into the canoes, and Shore's passenger van was loaded to the rafters.
Students embarked immediately after the morning ceremony marking the opening of school. It was a calm, sunny day as they headed for a longer than usual canoe trip to the island: two nights and three days.
After landing on the uninhabited island, students and faculty set up camp and prepared for a wonderful dinner of "Griffin-style" marinated chicken fajitas. Having learned the ropes on the Yarmouth trip in Grade 8, Grade 9 students were responsible for their own cooking.
The first evening came to a sudden close as a storm blew in quickly with dramatic lightning and thunder; it made for an exciting sleeping environment. Luckily the weather cleared the entire next day, and for the first time in three years the students were able to canoe across the lake to climb up Cadillac Mountain and enjoy the views.
Canoeing back to the island, the group made one stop at the famous chapel in the middle of Squam Lake. There we met the caretaker, who described the popularity of getting married there. To end the day Mr. Griffin led team challenges, and there was more time for swimming in the warm water. The evening meal was followed by a campfire with s’mores. This time, there was no storm to disrupt the experience.
This year, preparations for the ninth grade's Squam trip began even before school began. Gear and food were all packed in bins to fit right into the canoes, and Shore's passenger van was loaded to the rafters.
Students embarked immediately after the morning ceremony marking the opening of school. It was a calm, sunny day as they headed for a longer than usual canoe trip to the island: two nights and three days.
After landing on the uninhabited island, students and faculty set up camp and prepared for a wonderful dinner of "Griffin-style" marinated chicken fajitas. Having learned the ropes on the Yarmouth trip in Grade 8, Grade 9 students were responsible for their own cooking.
The first evening came to a sudden close as a storm blew in quickly with dramatic lightning and thunder; it made for an exciting sleeping environment. Luckily the weather cleared the entire next day, and for the first time in three years the students were able to canoe across the lake to climb up Cadillac Mountain and enjoy the views.
Canoeing back to the island, the group made one stop at the famous chapel in the middle of Squam Lake. There we met the caretaker, who described the popularity of getting married there. To end the day Mr. Griffin led team challenges, and there was more time for swimming in the warm water. The evening meal was followed by a campfire with s’mores. This time, there was no storm to disrupt the experience.
Still, rain moved in overnight and lasted until breakfast; at least one tent awakened with an inch of water surrounding the pillows! It was a good lesson learned about how to properly attach a rain tarp.
The packing up and journey back to the mainland seemed to come too soon for most. On the way, we were thrilled to be invited to the camp headquarters for the first time in Shore’s history to eat our picnic lunch while looking out over the lake from above. It was another great adventure out in the wilderness of New Hampshire.
GRADE 8: YARMOUTH ISLAND
The eighth grade enjoyed four days of glorious weather on idyllic Yarmouth Island, a wonderful chance for students and teachers to work, play, and get to know each other better.
Rarely has Maine water felt so warm, and students and teachers swam often. We hiked the island in small groups and collected trash that had washed up on the southern shore.
Highlights for many included jumping into the water at South Rocks, and the annual Great Yarmouth Raft Race. When teamed up randomly and assigned to design and build a raft and paddle using only Manila rope and fallen logs, there was instantaneous bonding.
In the evening students were randomly assigned to six cook groups, and each was handed one bin containing food and the menu, and another containing the pots, pans, and utensils to prepare the meals over the open fire or on the small cook stove. A teacher was assigned to join each group to offer advice and help if needed in the process. Willing volunteers surface in each group to prepare and cook the delicious meals including tacos, grilled chicken, a vegetable stir fry, and spaghetti.
The final night's campfire featured s'mores, several student performances, and a spell-binding ghost story from Mr. Griffin.
Eager as we were to take a shower and get cleaned up, we all were sad to leave Mr. Pulsipher's very special island.
GRADE 7: HOSMER POINT
Shore students experienced a wonderful week at Hosmer Point, in Crafterbury, VT, in ideal conditions for enjoying the wide variety of activities. The students lived in cabins in their advisory groups over the four days, and each student challenged him- or herself in four different areas: the farm, team building, wilderness, and waterfront.
With the warm weather, many students took the traditional polar bear plunge each morning. After a delicious breakfast, teams performed daily chores such as wood stacking and apple picking before heading off to their planned activity. Farm experiences included producing apple cider, harvesting vegetables for meals, and making homemade tortillas and fresh herb dip.
Team building challenges were popular, with activities such as the WAH game and a jump rope challenge. During the wilderness experience, students learned how to build shelters in the woods, and took a blindfolded hike to develop trust with a partner. On the waterfront, students enjoyed canoeing, as well as team challenges in the water.
Seventh graders chose from other fun activities, as well, including pumpkin carving, mosaics, mountain biking, and harvesting potatoes during the “dig and dine” farm time. Days were filled with fun, team building, and great social time at meals. Being away from computers and cell phones proved to be easy with so much to enjoy.
An evening lesson in night sight proved to be a great example of experiential learning. Ending the final day with singing and sharing memories around the campfire was the perfect way to end the trip.
See a gallery of photos from all three trips.
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