Early Wednesday morning, on October 11th, 28 CHP fifth graders boarded a bus bound for Frost Valley in Claryville, New York. Upon arrival, the students embarked on their three-day outdoor adventure. The weather cooperated, and only a slight drizzle rained down. The students were engaged in activities that built trust and camaraderie. This was followed up with the flying squirrel/ fish activity, where all students in the group work cooperatively together to hoist a fellow student 50 to 75 feet in the air. The evening program was a night walk that focused on student’s sense of night vision.
Day two was an all day 9 mile hike. Students blazed the trail and participated in learning about the environment, using the great outdoors as their hands-on classroom. During the hike, the students visited destinations that included Devil’s Hole, The Castle, and High Falls. Along the way, they took a break at the water’s edge and created face paint using stones they collected from the river. The big challenge was the suspension bridge that stretched across the river and falls. All students packed lunches and relaxed during the break. The evening was completed with a campfire and s’mores. Stories, songs and jokes completed the evening.
Before the trip home, the students spent the morning in the apple orchard. Here they learned about harvesting apples and the process of making apple cider. All students participated in making cider, and the activity was concluded with an apple cider toast to friendship.
Students arrived back at Cedar Hill Prep campus at 4pm on Friday, October 13. Parents and friends warmly greeted the returning campers.
