For over 40 years, Portledge School has been sending its Freshman class west toward the Delaware Water Gap to Blairstown, New Jersey on a multi-night retreat. In late September, our newest Upper School Panthers made their journey to the Princeton-Blairstown Center for an exciting expedition to start their high school experience.
    Upon arrival, students tossed their bags on the front porch of one of the many large cabins that make up the beautiful Blairstown complex. The staff welcomed us with a delicious barbeque lunch, allowing us to be ready to go for the afternoon's team-building activities. Shortly after, students were split into small groups and went off around the extensive property to find out more about each other and engage in exciting activities for the remainder of their time at Blairstown.
    The next two days and two cold nights at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains were filled with packs of kids playing Gaga Ball, whiffle ball, basketball, and Volleyball; climbing walls, canoeing on Bass Lake, and completing team challenges; hiking in the woods, completing high-flying obstacle courses, and repelling down a dam; watching the stars, letter writing and thinking ahead; sharing meals, hanging out at a bonfire, celebrating birthdays, and restoring the communal spaces; listening and finding each other, getting to know one another; participating in talent shows, and talking with cabin-mates well into the night.
    We had a successful few days of fun and getting to know the freshman class. This incredible experience would not have been possible without the help of our Senior Peer Leaders. Anna B., Dale J., Aidan K., and Elizabeth S. came along with our adult chaperones to help the Freshmen acclimate to each other and to model our Portledge Pillars. We would also like to thank the chaperones who accompanied the Dean Team and Ms. White who organized the venture: Mr. Disimile, Ms. Douglas, Ms. Damm, Mr. Krause, and Mr. Wu!
    We are already looking forward to next year's trip with the class of 2028 and hope that they will enjoy a brief vacation from classes at the start of their Upper School careers, hopefully with the same beautiful, clear weather we enjoyed with the class of 2027.