8th Grade Trip Reflections

By Mrs. Howard, 8th Grade Teacher

This week, we’ve been re-adjusting to life within four walls after eight amazing days of rafting and camping on the Green River in Utah with Deer Hill Expeditions.  It was truly an incredible trip!

I was so impressed with the “grab ‘em by the horns” attitude of the class in general—when offered opportunities, they responded with a resounding “Yes!” At the same time, there was a tenderness in the group, and people really shared their feelings and limits. There was space created to step in, but also to rest when needed—sometimes, instead of swimming rapids in nothing but a helmet, life vest and swimsuit (!), students instead chose to hang out on the beach, reading, painting, or just being together. There was a really sweet feeling of inclusion that balanced the adventure. 

It was amazing to see them putting themselves to the test, riding in duckies and jumping from cliffs, but also to see them all sitting in a huge clump and laughing. 

It was quite something to have the role of observer on this trip—I saw each and every one of the students in a new light. Thank you to the parents for the leap of faith that you put in me and in your 8th Grader by sending them on this adventure.  Several of the students expressed that this trip has changed them in profound ways, and that the course of their lives will be different now.