Courtney, Julia and Elizabeth before a dive

The first day of last week had all 44 of us back on campus. Kayak 1 and 2 had returned on Tuesday and those of us on Kayak 3 and 4 prepared for our adventure. Before leaving we completed our first open water SCUBA dive at tunnel rock (35ft). It was an amazing reef with gorgeous fish of so many colors! Wednesday we slept in until 7:30am and had a day off from morning exercise! Once again our community was split in half as 22 of us waved to Kayak 3 and 4 as they paddled by campus ready for their 4-day adventure. It made for a quiet few days on campus and served as a great way for us to get to know each other better.

Group of boys pose after a run to High Rock

Thursday is was back to our morning exercise routine. We were circled up at 6:30am ready to run around the cape doing calisthenics that included plenty of crunches, push-ups and leg lunges. Although challenging, it was a rewarding morning exercise for our group. Gum chewing seemed to plague this group as well because in the afternoon a few guilty students were seen serving their punishment washing windows during their free time. Apparently chewing gum is a hard habit to break. A report from kayak 4 came in via radio telling us that one of their kayak leaders, Rob Neely, (teacher/alum from Spring ’99) had seen an incredible eagle ray while the entire group was snorkeling a blue hole.

Tim Robb gives the OK on a dive

Friday morning we started our day with a great water polo match. For most of us it was our first time playing the sport and it was so much fun. We were occupied all day with SCUBA training getting ready for our certification test the next day. During study hours we were pleasantly surprised with a batch of fresh baked brownies. The highlight of Saturday was the second half of the group getting to experience their open water SCUBA dive at tunnel rock. It felt great to be down there and to get our test out of the way later in the afternoon. Kayak 3 and 4 returned to campus by 3pm and all of celebrated being back together by watching the sun set with a cookout and bonfire at Sunset Beach. This event also marked the end to our 2 week long orientation. Afterwards we celebrated Elizabeth and Ben’s 16 nth birthdays with music, dancing and a big decorated cake.

Sunday included a real sleep in although most of realized our bodies have already gotten used to waking up early, so it equivalent to a sleep-in at home. A group of students went to the nearby Baptist church and interacted with the locals singing hymns loudly and listening to the preacher. Sunday brunch included french toast and bacon – a huge hit! The rest of the day was very relaxed as we waited for the sun to come out from behind a cloudy, windy sky. It was nice to have time to hang out and get to know people even better.

Girls dressed up for the celebration

We had our very first run to high rock on Monday morning (a total of 4 miles). Everyone pushed them self and it felt incredible to run up the driveway of campus and hit the flagpole when we were finished. We had chores, breakfast and then when the 9:15am bell rang, we began our first day of Island School classes. We had Math, Humanities, Science, Art, and introductions to Community Outreach and Research. We all survived and then had a great evening celebrating Island School’s 5 th birthday! March 15, 1999 was when the first group of students arrived at the Island School, so in honor of that we had a special dress up dinner, ice cream sundaes for dessert and heard toasts from Chris Maxey and visiting alumni. Just when we thought the day was winding down and study hours were supposed to begin Christian Henry (Administration/Co Founder) surprised us with a brilliant fireworks show. We celebrated with the bright lights, loud sparks and crackles under a starry night sky.

This web update was written by Maggie, Candice, Will and Sarah. Below are messages from them to their friends and family at home.

Girls pose at High Rock

Maggie: Hey Mom, Dad, Jeff and Wil. I miss you all and I love you and I’m having a blast here! Wil: Tell Grandma, “What’s up dawg?” To all my friends back home, you know who you are and I’m thinking about you! Write and tell me all the Freeport gossip. See you in the summer!

Candice: Hey ya’ll. I miss ya’ll so much and I love you! I am having a fabulous time here. Hey Mom, Dad, Lashy (big bro), Caroline (twin sis). To all my friends at Myrtle Beach High: Don’t forget about me because I haven’t forgotten about you! Write me and fill me in on everything. Love ya!

Will: Hey all back home! Mom, Dad, Maggie and Isabelle. Miss you all tons! Hey to all of the Blake guys and girls. Don’t forget to write me. I am having an awesome time down here. Its really nice to get away from the cold and snow. See you in June!

Sarah: Hey Mom, Dad, Steph and Sam. I miss you guys a ton! Alix, Emi, Lunch room crew, Fatty Fest Crew: School isn’t  the same without you guys. Write me please! Update me on Ben and Will’s progress… and all the other news. Miss you Bri!