Backpacking : Freshmen on
The Appalachian Trail
It is a ‘ rite of passage ’ at St . Benedict ’ s that each Freshman cap his first year by walking the Appalachian Trail during Spring Phase . The freshmen use the first weeks of Spring Phase to learn the technical skills and the group dynamics that are needed to successfully complete the hike . The first year students are assembled into trail groups and are assigned tasks ( like navigator , cook , equipment master ) and they learn to trust each other , and most importantly to help each other so that every member of the team finishes the Trail experience successfully . Upperclassmen are around to teach their younger brothers , and this year , there were a total of about 200 students from SBP who were involved in this Spring Phase course . This year , upperclassmen who transferred into SBP after their freshman year also were placed into the Backpacking Project . As Mr . Glenn Cassidy reminds us all at the end of the hike , you realize that with the help and company of just a few good friends , everything you need in life you can carry on your back .
Telolog 2013 | Strength In Community 143