The Third Form trip to Camp Saginaw, meticulously planned by Third Form Dean Ms. Brooke Kenna, was action-packed. From zip-lining and ropes courses to community time with DEI Coordinator Ms. Rhonda Brown, every moment seemed to bring the Third Form together in new ways.
The Third Form grew noticeably closer as a class while also learning from Sixth Form leaders. Here are two perspectives on the trip:
As a Third Former, the thought of going into my first overnight school trip was nerve-racking. Although Camp Saginaw looked very pleasant and enjoyable from the pictures on the website, the thought of being at a summer camp in the middle of September was not something I was looking forward to.
Not having my phone didn’t help the cause.
Even though it seemed like these two days were going to be trying times, I tried to keep the negatives aside and find a positive outcome.
The bus ride was filled with anticipation. I was nervous about sharing a cabin with thirteen other kids and having a bad activity group without many of my friends. At the same time, I was also excited to grow closer as a class and make new connections with people I might not have been as close with.
One of my favorite parts was the zipline. Looking up at that tall green tower terrified me. I’m usually not scared of heights, but the thought of climbing a ladder that high off of the ground was daunting. The zipline made us get outside of our comfort zone, which strengthened our bond as a group.
After dinner we all sat around a blazing campfire together.
Sixth Form leaders shared sentimental stories about their time at Haverford, which I know we Third Formers appreciated. Every Sixth Former had something meaningful to say and showed how much they trusted us as a grade and how much they love and trust the school community.
From my perspective as a Third Former, Camp Saginaw was one-hundred percent a positive experience. This trip helped me feel more included in the Haverford community. Overall, I had a great experience growing closer with my classmates and teachers.
I can say with full confidence that after Camp Saginaw, I have grown as a leader, as a friend, and as a person.
Speaking as Sixth Form senior leader on the trip, I found that Camp Saginaw gave me the chance to connect with a lot of the Third Formers. I was impressed with how solid the younger guys are. They have a lot of potential, and I’m confident that Haverford’s future will be in good hands.
One unexpected benefit of the trip was the chance to also connect more deeply with my fellow Sixth Form leaders. Because of COVID restrictions at the time, our class never had an overnight trip.
Hearing stories from other Sixth Formers at the bonfire was definitely a highlight. It made me reflect on how lucky I am to be a part of the Haverford community—a feeling I wish I had recognized earlier.
My hope is that Third Formers are able to appreciate each other from the start because time at Haverford moves fast.
Standing by the fire, I was really able to recognize how easy it is to take Haverford for granted until you’re looking back at it.
