By Sami Hodges – Loveland, Colorado …After two days of “surviving” in the mountains, the weather forced the senior class to return to Campion Academy campus to complete the annual Senior Survival weekend, a time to bond and fellowship as a class.
The seniors arrived at Glacier View Ranch on Thursday, August 27, and set up camp by constructing shelters using only thick plastic, duct tape, and paracord.
Once camp was set up, Nancy Mezaros, Campion Academy chaplain, led worship, which was followed by bonding time.
“Our entire class was able to be completely open with one another,” said Jayce Treat, Campion senior. “Everyone was completely honest and didn’t hold anything back.”
Then seniors enjoyed hot chocolate and cider while singing together around the propane lamps which substituted for a campfire due to the fire-ban.
On Friday, the students made pancakes for breakfast and gathered for worship while overlooking the mountain scenery. Then it was time for the survival activities to begin. The first activity demonstrated the basics of survival. Next was a hands-on orienteering experience. Lastly, the seniors got to participate in the infamous trust fall.
Heavy rain arrived in the afternoon, causing the seniors to abandon GVR and head back to Campion.
Wanting to make the weekend special for the class, the staff created ways to continue Senior Survival on campus. Instead of returning to the dorms, the seniors camped out in Hankins Hall with the guys upstairs in the chapel and the girls in the Student Center below. Meals were served in the Home Economics room instead of the cafeteria, and the seniors did outdoor activities Sabbath afternoon. The class ended the special three-day event that evening with communion.
“I think even though we had to change plans,” Erica Franklin, Campion girl’s dean said, “the seniors still got to experience the key elements of Senior Survival. As a class, they grew closer and got to share both personal and spiritual moments.”
Despite the change in location, seniors were still able to bond and strengthen friendships through the experience.
“I learned you can trust your friends, even though it may not seem like it sometimes. Senior survival showed me people really do care about me,” Jennifer Florez, Campion senior said. “It was one of the best experiences of senior year so far. “
–Sami Hodges is a senior at Campion Academy, photos by Sami Hodges
