Seventeen Menands eighth grade students left Tuesday for the annual three-day trip to YMCA Camp Chingachgook.
The trip is a right of passage for Menands students that is designed to foster community and leadership skills among the scholars.
“We look forward each year to their return when we hear their ideas and witness their leadership skills in action,” said Principal Kathleen Wylie. “The trip does wonders for everyone involved.”
During their stay, students will take part in numerous adventures ranging from archery, hiking and games to campfires and ziplining.
“I am looking forward to the zipline,” said eighth grader Connor Looman. “I have never done it before, and it’s going to be fun!”
Classmate Arianna Buskey is also looking forward to adventure.
“I am excited to do the ropes course because it’s a lot of fun,” she said.
Meanwhile, Avi Lopez is excited to sample the culinary options at camp.
“I am looking forward to the food because I have heard so much about it and how it’s so good,” she said.
For the vast majority of students – if not all – it’s the first time they have ever been to camp.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen. It’s a mystery,” said JeyMithran Ramaraj.
Superintendent Jennifer Cannavo said the trip provides memories that will last “well after their time at Menands is over.”
“The connections the students are making now last a lifetime. This is extremely important for students in schools like Menands where eighth grade is their final year together and they all head off to different high schools,” said Cannavo.
Science teacher Lorenz Herrmann, who is also Co-Director of the Outdoor Education program along with physical education teacher Shirah Bettinger, said the key to the trip is helping the students “develop a sense of community and build their teamwork skills.”
