Hanna B., Molly, Dorm Mom Chrisi, Katy S., Liz M., and Lexie get ready for the bonfire.

Week 3

    This week has been an exciting week for everyone here at the Island School.  We got ready for big adventures like community outreach, SCUBA certification, and the three-day kayak trip. 

     In the early hours of Wednesday, a bunch of students ventured out for the second free-diving excursion with Maxey as our guide.  Those who didn't go along enjoyed a nice sleep-in and got up for a 7:30am morning circle. In the afternoon, everyone headed into the bordering town called Deep Creek to check out the two schools that Island School students will be working with for community outreach.  After returning to campus, the students broke up into their advisory groups.

    On Thursday, everyone woke up for a morning exercise of either yoga or water polo.  The yoga was a great workout and the water polo players had a little run in with some jellyfish. Classes continued as usual, and we were all pumped to take our first science organization quiz on everything we've learned so far. Thursday night we dove into homework and went to bed tired and ready for a fun-filled non-academic Friday.

Kevin, Syd, Alex and Henry having fun at the bonfire.

     On Friday morning, the runners and swimmers separated for the second run/swim track training sessions.  The runners explored the Island School's famous four mile loop while the swimmers swam the campus cuts and worked on their technique.  The morning block was devoted to work in the field for our research projects, but after lunch, we got to test the waters in SCUBA class or learn about the Bahamian festival known as Junkanoo with local middle school kids.  Later that night, we were all cramming for our first math test scheduled for the following day. 

    While all of our friends at home were sleeping in on Saturday morning, we woke up and ran to a nearby beach called Palm Island where we learned about Lucayan archeology.  After breakfast, we sat down and went to work on the math tests.  Despite the difficulty, everyone managed to finish.  According to Dimmel, the fact that there were "no tears" was a good sign.  After an exciting seminar about energy use and global warming, a group of students rushed to what we thought was the reopened marina store.  We were all disappointed when we found that the store was still closed.  After smashed dreams of cold soda and candy, we returned to campus.  Later that night we headed down to the Boy's Dorm Beach for a night-time bonfire, including s’mores. Later, students gathered in the library to watch the movie Ocean’s Eleven.

Girls getting ready for the bonfire.

    Sunday was a very special day for us.  It was our first real day off this semester.  Everyone slept as long as possible and enjoyed another breakfast of granola.  Later K1 & K2 attended a planning meeting for their quickly approaching kayak trips.  After dinner, the kayak groups finished packing their gear, and then everyone gathered for a lesson in Bahamian slang courtesy of Symington.

     Early Monday morning, we hugged K1 & K2 goodbye as they set out for their three day kayak trips.  The rest of us went out for a relaxing snorkel along the beach, and then began our intensive three-day SCUBA course.  In the afternoon, we went out and completed two of our confined water dives.  There wasn't a space for free time, but the excitement of SCUBA diving was well worth it.

     Tuesday morning was strangely quiet, waking up with only half of our bunkmates and friends. Both runners and swimmers worked on technique and then returned to a pancake breakfast.  It was another day of SCUBA work.  We are almost done with our SCUBA theory and everyone finished their confined water dives. 

SHOUTOUTS:

Molly Lloyd: Hey everyone! Mom, Dad, Max… keep the letters (and crafty packages) coming, they're much appreciated. I miss you! Mom, Dad I'm out of deoderant… it's an issue. also dad, can you send me one of those super windy flash lights? thanks. Nola, how's the whole college thing working out? and where's that letter?! Jules, hope HS is good, and say hi to Harry. Carter, how's soccer season going? You're obvs missin' my abbrevs. you'd love the intense workouts here. Anna, I'm working on "Men Or Other" don't you worry. Also, say hi to zeigs. Emily, I miss you and your fam. say hi to Nance, Norm, and Pete for me.  Madz, Hope lawrenceville isn't too crappy this term, mackey says hi. I'm clearly dying without you.  We gotta have some Mojs when return. write me letters or die. Pat, I get it. Everyone I didn't mention, I didn't forget, I just had to keep it short! send letters and I miss you.

Liz Marinaro: Hey to everyone back in Myrtle Beach!!! I'm having a great time even though the work is so hard. Last week for morning excersise we ran to Palm Island(4 miles). We started SCUBA and it's so cool. Alec, don't get too used to being an only child because you only have 11 more weeks! Mommy, I wish I could have some baked ziti right now!! Daddy, watch out because that six pack is definitely coming! I can't wait to see you on parents weekend. Kelly, life is hard without my other half. You guys are my only connection to the outside world so keep me updated on everything that goes on at MBHS. Tradd, I can't stand not being able to see you. I love you! Time is going by super fast here and I'll be home before you know it! Mrs. Teal thank you for everything you all sent me. Nani, Auntie Di, and Uncle Bruce, thanks for the bracelet & socks!;). Anne-Louise & Meredith, I can't wait to share Island School stories. LT, I'm proud to say there aren't any killer geese on the island! Thanks to everyone who made this possible for me! I want to see everyone in the airport when I get home! infinate x's and o's   LOVE YOU ALL!

Kevin O’Hara: Hey everyone! I’m starting to have a good time down here, and it seems like we’ve all become good friends. Scuba is really fun and we’re going on the 3-day kayak trip Thursday. I still miss you all at home! I’ll be back in Michigan pretty soon! Good luck and we’ll talk soon! (Don’t forget to write me letters!)