BELLAIRE • MEMORIAL • RIVER OAKS • TANGLEWOOD • WEST UNIVERSITY

Emery Juniors Explore Rocksprings

By Emma Lapin, The Emery/Weiner School, School Buzz Reporter | February 1, 2018

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(From left) Arielle Harris, Stephanie Gold, Eliana Blumfield, Julia Leibman, Jordan Leder, Chloe Starr and Alex Meyers took a break in the woods after completing a team-building activity where they all had to work together to level a seesaw.

What makes Emery a special place? Every year, grades 9-11 go on winter trips. These trips symbolize creating unique bonds with classmates and branching out of our comfort zones. Trips are also an opportunity to become unplugged and feel connected with nature. This year, the junior class went to Camp Eagle in Rocksprings, Texas.

The trip started with a five-hour bus ride, which was the first chance to bond with classmates. When we arrived at Camp Eagle, we received our room assignments and met the camp staff. That night, we went on a pretty easy hike and had lots of free time. Free time was enjoyable because we relaxed and talked to people that we have not talked to before.

The next day was our first official day at the camp. We were split into three different groups, and there were six different rotations. The activities included team building, rock climbing, repelling, a super swing, hiking to a cave and archery tag. My group went rock climbing and hiked in a dark, moist cave. Everyone did something different that day, which was pleasurable because then we could all discuss our different adventures.

Although this was our last winter trip, it was certainly one to remember. Many students went out of their comfort zone; for example, the super swing was frightening because it was seventy feet above the ground. I remember when my hands were sweating, and I had a deep sunken feeling in my stomach that would not go away. However, my friends pushed me to go on it, and I ended up having a great time! Arielle Harris exclaimed, “I am deathly afraid of heights, but I am extremely glad that I faced my fears and went on the super swing.” Later in the evening, we had a campfire where we all sang songs. It was definitely a moment where I wanted to take a mental screenshot.

Being a junior this year has been extremely busy because we are beginning the college process and preparing for standardized tests. The trip was a relaxing break from our daily routines and a nice breather to collect all of our thoughts. Sararose Fox stated, “Since this was our last winter trip, I felt sentimental and really connected to everyone.” Simply put, the juniors had an adventurous time, and the memories and friendships will last a lifetime.