The Dude Ranch

by Tallon T. '30, Anna G. '29

Berkeley School's Dude Ranch trip has been a tradition for years, but it was recently given to the 7th-grade class because of its benefits. The trip is designed to challenge middle school students and get them to try new things away from their phones and outside their comfort zones. This year, the Class of 2029 went to the Circle F Dude Ranch for a three-day trip filled with team-building activities and fun surprises. 

The varied and exciting activities allowed students to conquer fears and make new friends. They went horseback riding, participated in high ropes courses, swam in a lake, and much more. Students rotated through activities and slept in cabins, with fun around every corner. According to a survey sent out to the Class of 2029, the top three favorite activities were the Odyssey and other high ropes courses (39.6%), swimming in the lake and/or blob (24%), and finally, horseback riding (9.4%). However, in an interview with Charles, Kenny, and Penelope, they all agreed that horseback riding was the best.

During the horseback riding activity, Mr. Estes’ favorite dude ranch activity, students rode on a trail through the woods for an hour, enjoying a beautiful lake view. However, the trail was also full of banana spiders, which made it quite challenging for some. Charles and Kenny didn't enjoy the tumbling and teamwork activities, which took up around a fourth of the trip.

Taylon said, "This trip was super fun, and I would highly recommend this place, especially the blob, the Odyssey, and high rope courses." Overall, the trip was well received, with most students enjoying it and wanting to do it again. Lila Grace said, “It was an experience to remember.” Anastasia commented, "We conquered our fears." Gwyneth was happy she "got to meet new people."

While the trip seemed to be a hit, only 62.3% of the respondents said they would go again. Perhaps some students this year were eager to dive into homework, quizzes, and tests the first week of school instead.