Elizabeth and Hilary with their host mother

This past week was very exciting with lots of new experiences and changes! On Wednesday, we had a much needed “sleep in” until 7:30am. Our plan was to scuba dive and have work projects, but the ocean was too rough for scuba diving. Instead, we had a meditation led by Jen in the morning. All 43 of us were on the dining hall deck relaxing. After meditation, we had a choice of study hours, or watching movies about marine-life. In the afternoon, we had a science seminar, where we learned more about writing our research papers. For the rest of the night, we studied vigorously for our Mathematics midterm examination.

Emy, John, Sarah and Tyler making a reef ball

Thursday, we woke up bright and early and ran seven miles. It was difficult for some, but everyone made it through with a strong finish! After exercise, we had a seminar about Island School systems with Jack. In the afternoon, we had humanities and then our Math midterm. We were relieved to have all of our midterms over.

Friday, Lizzie and Julia led a Run-Swim for half of the group while the other half did work projects. We had normal classes for the rest of the day, anticipating our homestays later that night. At 4:15, we all got ready to depart for the local settlements of Deep Creek, Green Castle, and Weymess Bight for homestays! We went in pairs to local people’s houses and spent the night. It was exciting to see different scenery and culture for that short period of time.

Chris and Alex at their homestay

Saturday, we came back from our homestays at 6:00pm and a Junior Junkanoo team came to the Island School and led us in the art of Junkanoo dancing. Now, we are all skilled Junkanoo dancers. Later that night, Rob took the boys to a bonfire on Sunset Beach for some night snorkeling, while Schatz invited the girls to his apartment to play charades and eat his delicious home made chocolate chip peanut butter!

Sunday was filled with packing for Kayak 1 and the first Down Island Trip, and catching up on sleep. Sunday night, we had dorm meetings with Ashley and Rob, which was the last night that we would all be together before people departed on various trips for another three weeks!

Monday, Kayak 1 and the first Down Island Trip left, and Academic 1 went to Powell Point for breakfast. After breakfast, we went back to our dorms and packed for Plum Creek Beach. At the beach, we played soccer, lacrosse, and suntanned! We also had a cook out. Later that night, after we got home, we went on a night dive at tunnel rock! It was very exciting to finally scuba dive at night.

This Web Update was written by Kim, Lizzie, and Jonny. Below are messages from them to their friends and family at home.

Lizzie: Hey Mom, Dad, Kate, and friends! I am having the time of my life! Island School is so much fun and I love every day here. Thanks for all your letters, keep writing! Can’t wait to see everyone in June! (h.a) Xoxo

Jonny: hey mom and dad I hope the new house is good. I can’t wait to see it and take care of all the animals. Love you Monkey: how is Woodhull, yuh I'm doing fine, I hope my dop bag is safe with H-bobs, and I need some letters its boring without them ill talk to you guys soon see ya.

Mo teaching the art of Junkanoo	Zach and Will with kids from Deep Creek