Taking Recreation to the River

The threat of thunderstorms put prefects on their guard Friday morning as they made preparations for the afternoon’s fun at the Connecticut River, but to the relief of all, the clouds rolled away after lunch and left the afternoon quite warm and sunny. So, as soon the day’s classes came to an end, students rushed to change into casual clothes, grab their swim gear, and head to the buses for their busy afternoon.

Down on the bank of the Connecticut, kayaks were awaiting. Students deposited their gear in the shade of the pavilion and took to the water! The river was soon shortly speckled with single and double kayaks, while other students and prefects swam near the bank or chatted in the shade under the trees. Groups of programmers and prefects took turns facing off in volleyball and spikeball tournaments, while others played card games at the picnic tables under the pavilion. 

At the grills, prefect Dylan Peterson (’27), Admissions Director John Jost and tutor Dr. Paul Shields busily made dinner for the group. Hungry from their watery excursions, students and prefects sat down to a hearty feast of grilled salmon, wild rice, and garlic bread. 

The afternoon and early evening flew by, and prefects were caught off guard when they realized how much time had passed. All quickly rallied and loaded into buses, then ferried back to campus for the next event. 

Reinvigorated and refreshed from the afternoon’s exercise and activity, students were in excellent spirits when they met up shortly afterward in Olivia Music Hall for round two of dance lessons. At this class, they learned how to waltz and eagerly picked up on the new steps, trying them out with different partners. “The dancing is really fun, actually,” said Leo F. “Some people are really good and I didn’t think I was going to be able to pick it up, but the lessons are making it way easier and a lot of fun.” 

After dance lessons, students and prefects walked next door to St. Frassati Student Center, where they were treated to a private concert by classical guitarist Peter Blanchette. Mr. Jost introduced the musician and the purpose of the concert before it began, saying that, since music is such a big part of the College’s culture, he wanted the high schoolers to get a taste of what it is like during the school year. Peter Blanchette invented his own 11-string guitar, and played many enthralling pieces on it for his enrapt audience, ranging from Medieval French dance music to Bach’s suites. The guitarist received a standing ovation at the close of his performance, followed by many questions and expressions of wonder and delight from his listeners. 

Students trooped out of the Student Center after the concert thinking they were bound for bed, but little did they know that a surprise bonfire awaited them outside of St. Frassati — as well as a curfew extension! They grouped around the bonfire, making s’mores and singing folk songs along to a guitar. Programmers and prefects enjoyed themselves so much that, no matter how tired they felt, they were sorry when curfew came around. 

The Summer Program has another big day in store for today with “the world’s most-hiked mountain” waiting to be scaled! Check in the Summer Blog bright Sunday morning for the full run-down!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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