This past summer, two Education First trips led by GHS teachers took place, one to Costa Rica and the other to Australia and New Zealand.
The Australia and New Zealand trip, chaperoned by digital photo teacher Mrs. Bailey, lasted for fourteen days. Four days were spent in New Zealand, and the remaining ten were spent in Australia.
Meanwhile, the Costa Rica trip was chaperoned by history teacher Mrs. Newkirk, and took place over the course of nine days. This tour as the Education First site calls them, was partially a conservation effort. It involved participants planting mangrove trees along the coast to help stabilize the ecosystem.
Preparation for both trips involved group meetings at the chaperones’ houses to discuss packing essentials and travel plans. In the case of the Costa Rica trip, time was spent learning about the importance of the mangroves.
Once at their respective locations, groups operated on a buddy system to avoid anyone getting lost. GHS senior Rylo Fenton, who went on the Australia and New Zealand trip, said that their tour guide described Sydney as “Gotham City,” and made them travel in groups of three.
The buddy system didn’t ruin the fun, though. Groups engaged in many fun activities together over the course of their trips.
Costa Rica trip participant Caitlyn Craighead stated that, aside from the mangrove planting, they spent time learning about the locals.
“We also did stuff like ziplining and kayaking and a lot of adventure activities to explore the area,” Craighead said.
Meanwhile, in Australia, students went on tours and went sightseeing. When asked what the coolest thing she saw on the trip was, student Michela Whetstone cited both the Sydney Opera House and Port Douglas as trip highlights.
Participants have made it clear that the Education First trips are both fun and educational, and they can benefit students in numerous ways.
Whetstone said that, “Coming back, I feel a lot better about going to college,” saying that the trip was a good way to explore independence.
Craighead expressed a similar sentiment, mentioning that it, “was great not to spend my summer just inside.”
Students who participate in the Education First trips get not only a fun summer adventure, but also an educational experience that leaves them feeling ready to take on the world.
