By Allie Cohen ’12, Staff Writer

Every year, Newark Academy students of all grade levels are granted a day to relax and bond with their fellow classmates on Field Trip Day. Although weather and field trip choices might disappoint some students, recent feedback to the administration suggests that the majority of students appreciate the chance to take a breather during the stressful fall term.

Field Trip Day is a long-standing tradition at Newark Academy, with many of the trips having been established decades ago.  Senior Mountain Day, for example, was created in the 1970s by two noted retired faculty members: Mr. Limmer and Mr. Borlo.  It symbolizes the possibility of achieving tough goals and, as Ms. Galvin explains, “If you can climb the mountain, you can master just about anything.”  Additionally, the trip is meant to serve as a day of relaxation for the Seniors during the stressful college application period.  Another school favorite is the Sophomore canoe trip, which has been in existence for at least 20 years.  Junior Phoebe Feinberg, who went on the trip last year, says “I had a great time on the canoe trip” and praises it as one of the best days of the year.

The biggest challenge for all the trips has always been the weather.  Rescheduling due to inclement weather is not only expensive but also disruptive as it shifts the calendar for the entire school year.  Therefore, although rain might dampen the spirit of those participating in the outdoor activities, it is best for the school to try and follow through with them, and they usually still end up being fun.

The Juniors, on various tours throughout New York, had to brave the wet and cold as most of the tours took place outside.  Yet, the tours did not go unappreciated.  Junior Melanie Taub chose to go on the Washington Heights tour with Señor Gomez on her trip to New York City.  She said that “even with just four other people on the tour, I was really happy with my trip, but it could have been better without the rain.”  Understandably, the situation was not ideal yet many had a good time, especially those in the much sought after culinary tour.  According to Junior Mike Celente, the Junior’s trip to New York City “…was not as fun as it could have been, but it could have been worse,” and that the weather “did not take away from the food [on the culinary tour].” In fact, that tour and the others tours with culinary elements were so well liked that Ms. Galvin proclaimed, “The Juniors must be hungry!”

The rain had an even greater effect on the Sophomores’ trip.  The Delaware River was closed, so their rafting experience had to be delayed.  Fortunately, they were able to enjoy the day by seeing the movie The Social Network, which opened that day.  By a stroke of luck, Ms. Galvin managed to get tickets from a local theater for the entire grade to see the movie.

From previous years’ experiences to this one’s, one can see that Field Trip Day, although a cherished Newark Academy tradition, has never been easy to organize.  In the past, each grade trip occurred on a different day, and as a result they were disruptive to classes with students in multiple grades.  The Freshman trip has occurred in numerous locations besides the Bronx Zoo, such as the Appalachian Trial, Radio City Music Hall, and even the Museum of TV and Radio, because it has been difficult for the school to find a venue with widespread popularity.  Ms. Galvin dismisses all doubts regarding the potential discontinuation of Field Trip Day however, explaining that “Field Trip Day is definitely on the calendar for next year… [but] there just might be some changes.”

Overall, Field Trip Day has been a successful and appreciated Newark Academy tradition.  Even with inclement weather, an astounding 293 students from the Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior classes voted in advisor group surveys to continue this tradition.  Hopefully, as long as trip ideas are appealing to the majority of each grade, Field Trip Day is here to stay.