By Karrie Meyers … Highlands Ranch, Colorado – Mile High Academy’s Senior Class of 2021 was tested by Mother Nature when she poured rain during the annual Senior Survival weekend.

A yearly tradition for the Mile High Academy Senior class, Senior Survival weekend was created with the intent that Seniors kick-off their last year of high school with an outdoor retreat, electing class offers and challenging students to overcome obstacles, extend outside comfort zones and bond as a class. This year’s class along with two chaperones departed Mile High Academy on Thursday, August 27, to camp at Mohawk Lakes after hiking the Spruce Creek Trail located near Breckenridge, Colorado.

It was dark by the time students arrived at the campsite, so students quickly pitched their tents, prepared dinner and gathered for an evening worship. Lead by Lisa Venteicher, Upper School teacher, her devotional thought reminded students the weekend was set aside for them to grow as a class and personally while enjoying time together in nature.

Students awoke Friday morning to clear Alpine Lake views with Mount Helen in the background. Everyone prepared their own breakfast, which was followed by another encouraging devotional thought, this time by Brady Tull, athletic director. He focused on encouraging Seniors to enjoy each other and make lasting memories during their final year of high school.

“It was awesome seeing all the students together in nature, trying something they’ve never done before,” said coach Tull.

Once camp was cleaned up, students and staff hiked a mile and a half to the Lower Mohawk Lake. During the hike, it started to rain, but not yet enough to dampen their spirits. They appreciated signs of nature including a moose encounter along the trail on their way back to camp. By the time Seniors arrived back at camp, it was pouring rain. After diving into tents, laughter ensued from intense Uno games and small talk. Finally, the relentless rain and cold forced the decision to return to back to school.

Reflecting on the experience, Seniors were disappointed to end the weekend early, but were thankful for the memories they made. Senior Mcjaden Fievre commented, “The most challenging part about Senior Survival was becoming one with nature. The thing I will remember about the weekend was the moose that was 30 feet away from us.”

Senior Brooke Henry was taken out of her comfort zone by the challenge of backpacking. However, “backpacking with my friends made it more fun. I will always remember sheltering in the tent with the girls while it rained, enjoying time to talk and reconnect after a summer apart,” she said.

–Karrie Myers is Mile High Academy’s communication assistant; photo supplied