Of all the great Community School traditions and rituals none has more meaning, more resonance, and more staying power than the Fall Campout. This Wednesday morning 200 students and their teachers will head out to 14 different backcountry locations for three days and two nights of backpacking. The groups will each include 15 or so kids from grades 6 though 12 with two teachers. These groups might be camping by lakes, rivers, or old mining camps. They might fish, bag peaks, or meander through meadows in search of wildlife. The experiences will be unique, disparate, and whole. What will unify the experience for every participant is the connection with those who have gone before -- that hardy band of Cutthroats who have paved the way for the extraordinary school we now occupy.
From the time of the school’s founding the students and faculty have begun the year in the Backcountry. These collective experiences have served to set the tone for the year and have provided invaluable opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and meaningful connections that are simply not possible in the day-to-day life of the school. Quick conversations with just about any graduate of The Community School will almost certainly yield a reflection back on a Fall Campout experience. Truly, this unique tradition defines us and will forever set us apart from everybody else.
Back in August of 2007 the Fall Campout was tragically canceled. Due to the devastating Castle Rock Fire we were forced into the Frontcountry and away from danger. In fact, the entire first week of school that year was canceled, as well. It was not until Fall Campout in 2008 that I realized what had been missing in 2007. As a way to bring kids back to school there is nothing better than three days in the Backcountry. There will be ample time for tests, papers, games and plays but starting the year “out there” serves to define us. As I look ahead to this week I, for one, can’t wait to head out into the wild on Wednesday morning on my way to Baptie, Betty and Goat Lakes. I am sure the experience will surprise, inspire and transcend.
And that, will make all the difference.
From the time of the school’s founding the students and faculty have begun the year in the Backcountry. These collective experiences have served to set the tone for the year and have provided invaluable opportunities for leadership, personal growth, and meaningful connections that are simply not possible in the day-to-day life of the school. Quick conversations with just about any graduate of The Community School will almost certainly yield a reflection back on a Fall Campout experience. Truly, this unique tradition defines us and will forever set us apart from everybody else.
Back in August of 2007 the Fall Campout was tragically canceled. Due to the devastating Castle Rock Fire we were forced into the Frontcountry and away from danger. In fact, the entire first week of school that year was canceled, as well. It was not until Fall Campout in 2008 that I realized what had been missing in 2007. As a way to bring kids back to school there is nothing better than three days in the Backcountry. There will be ample time for tests, papers, games and plays but starting the year “out there” serves to define us. As I look ahead to this week I, for one, can’t wait to head out into the wild on Wednesday morning on my way to Baptie, Betty and Goat Lakes. I am sure the experience will surprise, inspire and transcend.
And that, will make all the difference.