The Colonias Experience
By: David Colorado and Tahi Thomasson
To convey the Pros and Cons of colonias for young people that were not sure if they would enjoy it or not, we
interviewed some of them before and after the colonias experience. Our questions covered the activities we did, the
accommodation, in order to give us an overall idea of colonias.
This year we travelled to the Catalan town of Banyoles for the grade 9 and 10 colonias excursion. The trip was a
good experience but could have been so much better. We held interviews with a few students that went to Colonias to see
their thoughts and opinions.
Firstly, why were people choosing to participate in this year colonias. It seemed, from the interviews, that most
people were going only because their friends were also going. They were not as excited about the activities and the other
perks of the trip. When Olivia Patanella from ninth grade, was asked the question, Why did you go to colonias? She
answered “cuz everybody was.” Also, another ninth grader, Adrian Mace, also responded with, “Because many of my
friends were going”
FACTS ABOUT COLONIAS
When?
It happens at the beginning of October every year (3 oct. -5 oct), it aims to bring everyone together, to get to know each
other, especially the new students.
Where?
We normally go to the beach or the mountains, it's usually around 3 hours in bus. This year it was in Banyoles.
What are the activities ?
There is normally biking, if there is a beach you do cliff jumping, banana boat, body surfing.We normally spit in groups
with every grade to make sure we meet new people and make new friends. Of course the school ensures to do every
activity with adequate safety.
What about the accommodation?
Normally there is a bathroom with a toilet and a shower. There are bunk bed or single beds. This depends on the amount
of people per room. This year we were around 7-8 per room. However, in other trips, I shared my room with 4 others.
You also get to choose who you want to be in the room with. (if you are lucky)
Finally, we feel that the school could improve colonias by having a wider selection of activities to do. They could also
give more free time, because we don't get enough time to be with our friends in the day and night time. The school
should also change the sleeping schedule to wake up later in the day, around 9:00 in the morning not 8:00 because we
feel like we wake up a bit too early. I do understand the fact that it is to use every minute to its fullest.