By David You ’19, Editor-in-Chief

On September 19, 2014, a day that will probably be forgotten soon, each grade took a different field trip. However, the 8th grade had a special overnight trip that started the day before. After the trips, the students looked exhausted and were ready to go home, and many of the 8th graders believed it was the end of Capstone because of all the packing and clothing. Sadly, the following Monday was the start of another school day for every student.

This year, the 6th grade traveled to Sandy Hook. They caught different types of fish, and also went into the water to catch specimens. According to four 6th graders, the trip was good, yet there were some downsides. One 6th grader said the trip was fun, but it was also cold. Each 6th grader also had one thing that they enjoyed the most. All the interviewees said that they liked seeing and catching the fish, and one student enjoyed getting into the water. Some of the 6th graders even learned something new. One student learned how to catch specimens using a net. Another student learned that NJ had a state shell. However, there were parts of the trip the students would have changed. Two students would have liked the trip if it had more activities. One student would have liked fishing rods for the trip, and another student would have requested a boat. Finally, the average rating for the four interviewees was 7.25 out of 10.

The 7th grade went to the Sterling Hill Mine. The mine is located in Ogdensburg, New Jersey, and is a former iron and zinc mine. The grade got to explore the mine and examine ultraviolet rocks. Out of the four interviewees, two said the trip was fun. They learned a great deal about rocks and minerals in the mine. Another said it was decent, but boring at times, and the final student said it was “alright.” Two students really enjoyed the ultraviolet rocks from the mine. Another student enjoyed the park where they ate lunch. Finally, the last student was fascinated by some old guy’s beard. The students also took away knowledge from this trip. Two interviewees learned about the mining of rocks. One student even learned about ultraviolet rocks, and one student did not learn anything new because he was there before. Although this trip was a great experience for the students, there were a few changes they would make. Two students would have liked it more if they got to explore the mine in greater detail. One student did not enjoy the lunch because it was soggy, wet, and had a bad taste. Finally, the average rating of the four interviewees was 8 out of 10.

On September 18, the 8th grade began their trip to Fairview Lake. At the camp, the students focused on communication skills and teamwork. They also went canoeing, rode on a rope swing, and took a hike. All four interviewees said the trip was a good experience. One student thought it was a good bonding time, and another said the counselors added “spice.” However, a third student said the counselors were boring when they spoke. Each student also had their favorite activity. Two students enjoyed the quality social time with their friends. Another liked the night hike. A fourth student liked learning about the teachers. The students also learned new and fascinating things. Another learned about night creatures, while yet another student said that effective communication and leadership are essential to good group work. Finally, the last interviewee learned that “pirates really needed their Doritos.” The major thing all the students would have changed was the counselors. From the mountain hike to the giant games on the field,  the students did not believe the counselors were well equipped to lead these tasks. Finally, the average rating of the four interviewees was 8. 5 out of 10.

After all the interviews, many of the students enjoyed their trip, despite weather, time restraint, or counseling. Each grade got to spend quality time outside of school. Furthermore, this trip was a great way for new students to make friends. While many students may not remember the trip in the future, it was a great trip to start off the new year at Newark Academy.