As is longstanding tradition at the Robinson Center, in late September (just before classes began) we shipped the newest Transition School (TS) cohort to Middle of Nowhere, Washington for an overnight stay at gorgeous Camp Huston, where trees, nature trails, and vaguely creepy statues abound!
While the RC staff and faculty explored the serene wilderness afforded by the secluded campground, the TSers, along with an assembly of older Early Entrance Program (EEP) students that tagged along to serve as friends, counselors, and mentors, mainly remained indoors, swilling down sodas and gorging on an alarming amount of junk food while bonding through a variety of tabletop games. In other words, the trip was immediately off to a great start!
After dinner, the cohort was treated to a Camp Houston ritual: the annual reading of “Make Way for Ducklings”, a children’s story read masterfully by EEP alumnus Noah Siegel. Through this allegorical tale, the TSers learned that like ducklings pursuing peanuts, they must face challenges pursuing higher education at such a young age. Following the reading, the TSers enjoyed s’mores around the bonfire and then settled into a night rich in social activity but devoid of restorative rest. None the matter, as the next morning well-rested and sleepy students alike set out on a brisk, refreshing hike up to nearby Wallace Falls, now a sweet, distant memory as classes are in full swing.