Journal for Friday, May 16

"What made a difference to me is that I might never do these types of things again." - Tucker

"I saw some cool places and met new people (UMMers)."

"Me and Monica skipping hand in hand. Seeing the waterfalls. Seeing the Badlands. Seeing the clearest water in the world. I had fun and want to thank you for letting us have this experience." - Trisha

"I really liked seeing a lot of the neat things like the Black Hills, Pipestone and Devil's Gulch. I also liked getting out of school and getting closer to my friends." - Ben

"The most favorite special thing I have done is when we got to go swimming and just have a really fun time." - Wade I.

"I thought this was special because not very many schools get to do this and we got to be the grade to do it. It was TONS of fun." - Zach

"The whole trip was fun, but the best thing was being told how good and kind we are. The generosity of everybody was very cool, too. If you wanted some food they would give it to you, or being given pizzas from Peter." - Wade W.

"My favorite part was the whole thing, especially the teachers, UMM students, and chaperones. The whole trip was fun. Every day had its high points. I thank you for a great trip." - Spencer C.

"I thought this trip was great because I know I have gotten closer to my classmates." - Spencer T.

"On this trip, what I really liked was knowing that all those teachers and parents really wanted to actually be with us for a week and putting up with us. The second thing I really liked was being with my friends and getting to know others that I really never hung out with before."

"This week was one of the best learning experiences of my life. Everything about this trip was magical! I am glad we all could experience this together!"

Reflections from Marlene Schoeneck and Peter Whelan:

Now that the kids have had a chance to share with you, it is our turn. We could not close this trip without telling you how much it has meant to us, and to everyone who has been a part of this adventure.

It is hard to put into words what we feel has happened over the course of these five days. Words are by far inadequate, but many times we have summed it up as simply (or unsimply) "magic". We have watched kids grow. They have learned cooperation, new friendships, responsibility, and that they can do far more than they ever felt possible.

Thursday evening as we were sitting at a picnic table discussing the trip, two of the 8th grade girls came skipping hand in hand down the path. This may seem like a small thing, yet it is also the epitome of what has happened here. There has been boundless joy and energy that has far surpassed the minor problems and glitches that arise in any endeavor of this size. Kids have talked to us and trusted us enough to share some of their hearts and souls, as have we in return. We would like to share a few of the comments that have especially touched out hearts:

"Thank you, Peter, for the best day of my life."

"I get it out here. I don't get it in the classroom, but here, I get it."

"I came here not being sure if education was the field for me. I am leaving convinced that this is what I want to do."

Before we left for this trip, many told us we must either be extremely dedicated or crazy to spend five days camping with 8th graders. We would like to thankfully proclaim that we are both dedicated and crazy! Thank you parents for lending us these wonderful kids for the experience of a lifetime. Kids, never forget how special you are and that you are capable of doing far more than you or the world ever thought possible. We love you!!