Tree Hoppers

THE SEVENTH GRADE CHALLENGE

-by Megan J.

Imagine walking on a shaky rope…with an even shakier rope to hold on to. You are swinging wildly in the wind, 45 feet off the ground, and there is no turning back. 

This was the situation that nearly every 7th grader faced on September 26th at TreeHoppers Aerial Adventures Park. This retreat was the brainchild of Profe Olson, the seventh grade sponsor, who wanted to take the twenty-five students who were not going to space camp someplace fun. Those students from the class of ‘27 had such a good time that  Profe Olson decided to make it a seventh grade class trip. This year, the class of 2028 got their chance.

The field trip was a combination of experiences ranging from simply effortless to extremely terrifying.

Easy for many, but not all was the yellow course. Ropes were the lowest to the ground, and though it shook in the wind, it was the electrifying introduction to the exciting place. Most students commented it as “easy in the beginning, but watch out at the end!” Some teachers thought it was “too much for them” though. 

Up a notch was the green course. This proved to be a place of injuries for some people, as the zip lines slammed an unfortunate few savagely into the coarse bark of the trees. A “darn net” caught the feet (and clothing!) of some unsuspecting victims as well.

A definite test for the resilient was the blue course. Adventurers who declared the first two courses were “too underwhelming for me” advanced to claim the challenge. It got many climbing geniuses stuck in the spinning logs, and an audacious squirrel decided to get in the path of one lucky person. The little squirrel swished its bushy tail tauntingly, provoking yells and threats of squirrel stew. 

Ultimately, the final confrontation of all fears was the black diamond course. All daring students who managed to convince a teacher to go with them strove to complete the grand finale. The ones who managed to endure all obstacles crowed “I passed!” while others, looking rattled, commented, “I think I made a wrong decision.” 

Despite the boasting of the ropes being an absolute piece of cake, there were many screams, yelps, and shouts of fear as the ropes rocked ferociously in the wind. 

All in all, the trip to TreeHoppers was electrifying for everyone. It tested everyone’s courage and determination with the intricate courses, but made countless memories that will not be forgotten for years to come.

When asked what advice Olson has for the rising sixth graders, Profe Olson stated, “If you are scared of heights, and if you are scared of falling, do not worry. Face your fears, believe in yourself, and you will conquer the challenge.”