Izzy and Jacq after a dive

Tuesday morning after a day of relaxing, Academic 1 started their 8-day rotation. Morning exercise consisted of a run to high rock, and a refreshing jump in before heading back to campus. After that we had a full day of regular classes, followed by dinner and study hours. It was nice to get back into the swing of things, after saying goodbye to half of our community.

We started Wednesday with an invigorating game of water polo. We returned to campus for a normal morning of classes, but that afternoon we had our community outreach field day. Grades 3,4,5 and 6 from Deep Creek Primary School came to our campus to go through stations that taught them about energy, pollution, exploring the sea, and water properties through fun activities and presentations. During this time, the 7 th grade community outreach worked on swimming skills in preparation for kayaking. Later that afternoon, Down Island 1 returned with souvenirs and great memories. They spent the rest of the day packing and preparing for their kayak trip. That evening we celebrated an early birthday for Hilary Keefe before she left on her kayak trip. After that, we all went to the presentation room to be quizzed on our fourth set of fish slides and to learn the new slides.

Taking the plunge at High Rock

Thursday, we all awoke very nervous to conquer our long swim/run. The running track ran to the old airport and back; 8 miles. The swim track swam around the cuts to the big bridge, against the current. We were all very exhausted after we returned, but felt very accomplished because we ran/swam the entire way. After breakfast we all wrote letters to teachers at our sending schools, updating them on our experiences here. Then we started to make junkanoo costumes, which we will be wearing during our performance to our parents. That night we had a sunset class on the beach, where Nathan made us sit 30 ft. away from each other, (which didn’t last very long-Zach and JD!) and watch the sunset. When we returned back to campus, we celebrated Rob’s birthday with a cake made by his advisees.

Friday morning we had a “sleep-in” until 7:30am and gathered at morning circle. Immediately following circle, we headed down to the marina, to get ready for a dive at the aquaculture cage. It was an amazing dive because for most of us it was our first time seeing the cage and taking a look off the wall. Even the people who were scared to do the dive said it was by far the coolest thing they have ever done. After we returned back to campus and ate lunch, we continued working on our junkanoo costumes and had a research class, which consisted of collecting data.

Permaculture on a tour of a local packing house

We started Saturday morning with exercise led by our very own Rooster, David Orgain. Following morning exercise we had a normal day of classes, and during free time, kayak 3 began packing their food. That evening we had a student and community meeting lead by our cacique for the day, Lizzie.

Sunday’s morning exercise was a long run/swim, and most of us were very tired making exercise a challenge. We had a normal day of classes, which included a science organization quiz in the afternoon. That evening was normal study hours, but everyone was excited because it was our last night of homework during our 8-day rotation.

Monday morning we ran to the marina and played ultimate ball, which everyone enjoyed. During morning chores, the girls dorm found a little “friend” under the bed, which turned out to be a wolf spider. All of the girls were screaming and Daddy Free (Ben Freeman) had to come save us with a Rubbermaid and lid. We then had a full morning of research in which everyone worked on collecting data and writing their methods. After lunch we spent the rest of the afternoon in normal classes, then had a special treat when Maxey invited us to a cookout on his deck. Soon after we returned to campus, kayak 1 came back, and it was good to have them home. The rest of our night consisted of hanging out, telling stories and catching up.

We all had a real sleep in Tuesday morning, then hung out all day, packed for kayak/down island trips and met with our groups. It is going to be hard leaving everyone again, but down island/kayak trips should be awesome.

This web update was written by Elizabeth, Jacq and Val. Below are messages from them to their friends and family at home.

Jacq- Hey Momma, Dad, Strudel, and Ace, Nan-I hope the shoulder is holding up, Grams, Papa G, Nana S, Papa B., the rest of the fam. To my friends in East I miss you all so much, This place is awesome. Abbie-How was Vegas? Pookie- I miss you so much. I hope everything in the EGR is going well. My 8-day kayak and solo is coming up-wish me luck cuz I’m gunna need it. I miss and love you all-see you when I get home!

O and PS-keep writing me letters and Karza thanks for the OC updates.

Tracy, Julia, Lizzie and Val

Elizabeth- Hey Mom, Dad, and KK-how’s everything at home going? I love you and miss you all very much! To all my friends-I miss you guys so much, and wish you could be here with me. I’m having an unbelievable time and loving this experience. I’m about to go on my 8-day kayak trip and my solo-wish me luck! Keep writing and filling me in on everything. I can’t wait to see you all when I get home!

Val- Hi guys! How is everything at home? Is there still snow, or is it warm out? I’m sure it’s not as warm as it is here! Well I’m looking forward to my 8-day kayak trip with my 2-day solo. That should be fun! Miss you a lot, but I’ll see you in a couple weeks! Can’t wait! Love you!

Alden underwater	Getting out of the water at High Rock