From Sept. 4 to Sept. 6, the freshman class ventured to Camp Merriwood in Orford, N.H. for a few days filled with class bonding activities and memories to last a lifetime.
For the past couple of years, the Form Three trip has kicked off the year at Camp Merriwood, allowing students to find a new appreciation for the great outdoors and, for many, to plant new friendships with peers and build relationships with their advisors and teachers.
Camp Merriwood has a very special connection with the KO community. The camp has been owned by the family of former English teacher and KO alum David Hild ’80 for over 70 years. The camp sits on the scenic Upper Baker Pond, allowing for numerous water activities. Along with that, the camp boasts a giant rock wall, ropes courses, sports courts, and acres of open fields.
Each night, the entire class gathered together in the dining hall for dinner and evening games such as bingo and storytelling. It is moments like these that can really shape a class as a whole.
Form Three Dean Tricia Watson noted the importance of the trip, especially having been a past visitor of the camp. “We know that we are a strong class and when we get new opportunities, we take them,” Mrs. Watson said.
She also explained some of the unique opportunities students had on the trip.“Many of our students climbed Mt. Cube, which is a very physically challenging hike,” she said. “The loop of the hike takes over an hour with the top being over 2900 feet in elevation, allowing for stunning views of the camp and onwards.”
With the trip being so early in the year, this was a vital opportunity for students to connect in ways they might not have considered. “My favorite activity was definitely paddle boarding or hiking,” freshman Kai Scranton said. “Being able to climb the mountain with all of my friends is something I will not forget.”
As the freshmen have settled into Upper School life, we know that the trip to Camp Merriwood has made things a little easier on everybody and has brought the freshman class closer together.
