By Natalie DeVito ’22
On the morning of August 29th, a large party of anxious freshmen and eager seniors departed from Pingry. They crowded into four buses and enjoyed a long drive across state lines, bound for the Bryn Mawr Mountain Retreat and Conference Center in Pennsylvania. Here, the freshmen would take on challenges meant to help them connect as a class.
When the freshmen emerged from the buses at Bryn Mawr, the stifling late August heat was obvious, and they realized within minutes that none of them were dressed properly for the weather! Despite this, the students pushed forward and unpacked at their cabins, ready for the first set of challenges. Working in groups consisting of two senior leaders and eight freshmen, the students collaborated to construct chariots capable of holding a freshman. Each group also decorated a banner that reflected their peer group pride!
The next obstacle peer groups faced was a stretch of woods dubbed ‘The Gauntlet,’ a trail with an array of challenges that tested their logic, strategic skills, and stamina. Everyone spread out around the course and raced to finish with the lowest time. Although we were not the fastest team by far, my peer group had a blast; we were all cracking jokes together, even though many of the students had just met. The stress of competition helped us break down barriers and trust each other more.
The biggest surprise of the trip was the impromptu dance held in the dining hall that night where the freshmen all found the energy to get on the dance floor and have fun. Adding to the surprise, the seniors, in costume, ran onto the floor when the freshmen least expected it and started dancing. Sarah Kloss (III) says, “The seniors really brightened up the dance and added excitement.” Another student enjoyed “kicking off the school year with a really happy and entertaining festival.” Others, including Evan Berger (III), were happy to share some quiet time outside the dance, but everyone found a way to enjoy the late-night festivities.
The next morning, everyone woke up early and tested their constructions from the day before, including chariots made from PVC pipe and blankets. As the “lucky” freshman who was forced into my peer group’s chariot, the chariot race was an event that I certainly won’t forget!
All too soon, it was time to depart Bryn Mawr, but not before reflecting on the trip together as we sat on the grass. My classmates came forward with their favorite moments – Samuel Henriques (III) recognized every experience in the trip as valuable, “even at night, when we suffered together in cabins with no air conditioning.” Ram Doraswamy (III) took the opportunity to get to know new members of the grade (and of course, play Heads Up) during the long bus ride. Zoe Wang (III) says, “I got to see what the Pingry community is like outside of school. As a new student, it opened up my eyes.” The freshmen class relished the chance to connect with their peers, let loose, and prepare themselves for the year ahead!