PJHS 8th Graders Make Memories During Great Oaks Trip

By: Kevin Johnson

The school year is finally over, and 8th Graders got to go on their annual trip! This year, it took place at Great Oaks in Lacon on May 17th. In this massive 105-acre facility, they participated in multiple activities involving heights and team-building like the ropes course and zipline. 

The day started with the Leap of Faith. Here, the 8th Graders were separated into two groups. One student from each group got harnessed and attached to a bolay. The rest of each student’s group held onto a rope to give and remove slack as needed. Each student climbed up the 24-foot pole and jumped from the very top to reach a suspended bell. Then, the rotation continued.

Next, the students went on a sprawling ropes course, where there were 17  different “elements” that the students had to overcome to continue. Once everyone was done with it, they headed back to the building for pizza.

The students then finished by walking up the stairs to a 24-foot high platform, and 3 students went down the 320-foot zipline together. This event was sponsored by two of our very own teachers here at PJSHS, Jodee Bauman and Sue Williams. Mrs. Bauman told us “Many students are challenged each year but the best part is to see others supporting and encouraging their classmates to try something that might be out of their comfort zone!”