Aome Jacob Angeles – Ward, Colorado … Students of the Class of 2027 at Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, continued the tradition of Senior Survival, September 2- 6, spending five days together as a class in the mountains at Glacier View Ranch (GVR) in Ward, Colorado.

As part of the experience of Senior Survival, students could bring sleeping bags but had to construct their own shelters using tarps, tape, twine, and the natural resources available to them. Besides a few sprinkles, the weather was clear and sunny, so the shelters were able to hold up through the weekend.

Each day included opportunities for spiritual growth and connection. Class sponsors, Walter Rogers, CA chaplain and Bible teacher, and chaperones led out in worship services and shared important biblical lessons and life advice suited for the soon-to-be graduating senior students.

For most meals, students had the liberty to cook their own food with the provided ingredients and utilities.

Kai N., CA student, shared, “Cooking was a fun way to bond with my group. We cracked jokes, talked about relationships, and shared stories as we cooked and ate. There was a lot of laughter.”

Throughout the week, the students were put through various games and trials that tested their ability to work together as a team. They struggled at times, but with persistence and teamwork, they were able to pull through.

Outside of the games, the students bonded and connected over the main campfire (propane this year due to fire restrictions). The main campfire was the central hub of the camp where students held worship, meals, and conversations, both cheerful and deep.

For many senior students, talking around the campfire was their favorite part, including student Donagh O. who reflected, “Sitting around the campfire at night with my friends laughing and chatting really made me feel at home. I had really bonded with my classmates.”

The students from the class of 2027 left Senior Survival with a strong impression. Many connected and learned from each other in a way they hadn’t before. Student Stone G. explained, “I learned that a lot of us go through the same mental struggles, and being at senior survival taught me that.”

—Aome Jacob Angeles, Campion Academy Student News Editor. Photos by Erik Stenbakken and Annalise Gomez.