From the November 3, 2006 issue of The Cape Codder

Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School News

Teambuilding in the White Mountains

On Oct. 18, 19 and 20, eighth-graders from Cape Cod Lighthouse Charter School in Orleans, accompanied by teachers and parents, traveled to Pinkham Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire for three days of camping and hiking.

The students were divided into hiking groups run by the Appalachian Mountain Club's educational program and learned how to use maps and compasses. Then, the groups took short hikes into the mountains, using their newfound skills.

Later that night, the AMC guides met with their groups and helped the students pack their backpack for the long hike the next day. Each group learned about "Leave No Trace," the theme throughout their visit. This concept emphasizes the idea of picking up after yourself, not disturbing wildlife, being prepared, not disturbing other hikers, and staying on the trails. Each group was then assigned one of these rules and had to make up a skit to represent this rule.

The next morning the students had an early wake-up call so each hiking group could make it up to the huts before dinner. Half of the hikers went to the Mizpah Springs Hut and the other half went to the Carter Notch Hut. The groups couldn't have asked for a more perfect day to take a hike.

Eighth-grader Sadie Higgins said, "The hike was challenging, but adventurous."

Fellow classmate Ruby Wolf added, "It was the most challenging thing I've ever done, but when I got to the top it was the most rewarding experience."

Once at the top, everyone set up their sleeping bags and went on smaller hikes around the huts. Those who climbed up to a lookout at Carter Notch had a steep climb.

"While the walk up to the view point was both steep and tiring," eighth-grader Irene Bloomer said, "It was so worth the view once we got to our destination."

The hikers enjoyed dinner at the huts that evening and then turned in for the night. The next morning was another early one. The hikers were busy trying to pack up and eat as much breakfast as they could before their hike back down the mountain. Unlike when they hiked up, this day was rainy, which made the hike down the mountain slippery. When they reached Pinkham Notch later that morning, they all congratulated each other on accomplishing their goals.