Bounders Adventure in Zion National Park

There is a famous quote that reads: “A ship is safe in a harbor, but that is not what ships are built for.”

And so, leaving the comforts and safety of home, seventeen eighth grade Carroll students and four Carroll teachers spent their April vacation on a fun-filled adventure to Zion National Park in Utah. These students chose Bounders as their “Specials” elective at the beginning of the year, not knowing the amazing adventure that was in store, spending a week in one of America’s most beautiful national parks, lacing up hiking boots, soaking up sun, and learning what it means to work as a team.

Our Bounders students spent two days traveling by bus, plane, and minivan to their destination. After their arrival in Zion National Park, they donned backpacks for a three-day trek through brilliantly colored canyons, learning how to hike as a group, how to get their own water from streams, and how to cook and camp together. Replacing backpacks for climbing harnesses, the Bounders group then spent a day canyoneering – rappelling down sandstone cliffs through an occasional waterfall – conquering their fear of heights and relying on each other for moral support. Students earned this special day as a result of various fundraisers throughout the year. Raising more than anticipated, the group decided to hire a guide service to do what most people only see in magazines.

The last day in the park was spent, according to tradition, with a day hike up to Zion’s most famous land formation: a half-mile long ridge with a 1,500 foot drop on both sides, leading down into Zion Canyon. All seventeen students mustered up their courage and stamina to climb Angel’s Landing, known for its exposure, views, and grandeur. Once at the top, students wrote in their journals about what “tools” they would take back home with them as part of their life skills “toolbox”.

Then it was back to Las Vegas, where the eighth graders took in the sights and bright lights and watched the famous water show at the Bellagio Hotel, still dreaming of the starry nights in Zion. Then back to Boston, where eager parents awaited to greet their tired yet smiling children, who immediately began to share stories and heart-filled laughs from a most memorable adventure with friends – now old and new alike.

Good work Bounders Class of 2009! You have all set sail and the wind is at your back.