The student council and the 11th grade team organized a trip for all juniors to go on a team building trip to Alley Pond on November 10. Alley Pond is located in Queens NY, and it’s an adventure course full of activities such as Rock Climbing and Tree Climbing.
The trip was organized into 3 separate days, November 10th, November 12th and November 14th with the last day dedicated to only Hostos students in the 11th grade. All other students had the option to choose on which day they wanted to go meaning they got to team build and be with their friends.
“Before Alley Pond, juniors would have field day at St. Mary’s. Alley Pond is more inclusive and organized and better for team bonding” said Ms. Lynah, 11th grade team leader.
Since Junior year is one of the most intense and hardest years, Alley Pond gave students an opportunity to see each other outside the work in the classroom and learn to rely on each other.
“Students will build team building skills, talk to students outside their friend group, and to just have a day outside of class” said Ms. Lynah.
The Adventure Course, which included students climbing over 50 feet with ropes and carabiners, received positive feedback from students,
“I enjoyed rock climbing and walking across the bridge, islands, I enjoyed those two” said Elijah Chatman (Class of 2027).
The weather on November 10th, did make for an interesting day as what had been a nice day, turned rainy impacting the amount of time students had for lunch.
“I didn’t expect the weather to change and I was expecting to do more activities at Alley Pond, but there were safety concerns when it started to rain” said Elijah.
The November 12th trip was much better for the students to do the adventure course. The juniors who went this time were impressed with all the different types of activities Alley Pond had to offer.
“For me, the trip was amazing, however, if I was to do this again I would do ziplining because it looked fun” said Jayshawn Scott (Class of 2027).
Overall the planning of this trip was very organized and beneficial for the juniors because they made memories and also were able to communicate and use teamwork skills in the obstacle courses.
“My most memorable experience was when Ibrahim was scared during the rock climbing and I motivated him to finish it” said Ahmad Touray (Class of 2027).
Lots of students had to overcome their distress of heights in order to conquer Alley Pond.
“It was fun and entertaining, it made me feel energetic and put my fears aside. I expect the next trips to be good and well thought through,” said Vidanny Cabrera (Class of 27).
Ms. Lynah said there were plans in the works for more trips for the juniors, but with a catch.
“I expect them to take even more risks [on the next trip] because a lot of people were scared” said Ms. Lynah.
