Aaron Tang ‘24
The class of 2024 is tentatively scheduled to take the Outward Bound trip in May 2022 as sophomores. The class of 2025, currently eight graders, is scheduled to go on the trip in the summer of 2021, as previously scheduled. Outward Bound is looking to adopt several additional safety precautions in response to the pandemic for potential upcoming trips as well.
The Class of 2024 was unable to experience EA’s signature five-day freshmen orientation trip for themselves this fall. There have been extensive discussions with Outward Bound to reschedule. Tanuja Murray, Dean for the Class of 2024 and Upper School math teacher, says, “Of course it is not just our decision to go or not go, and there are a lot of moving parts.” Administrators tried to schedule the trip at the end of the 2021 school year, but there is no guarantee that Outward Bound would even be open by then.
The administration emphasizes their commitment to continuing the Outward Bound trip for the Class of 2024, despite setbacks. Michael Letts, Head of Upper School, says, “I believe the trip is crucial. In my time as a dean and an upper school head, I think that it’s one of the most important programs we have, and so we’re doing everything we possibly can to get every student through that experience.” The Outward Bound trip is required curriculum for all Upper School students (except for those who have waivers), and its purpose is to “inspire our students to discover and develop their potential to care for themselves, others, and the world around them through a challenging experience in unfamiliar settings.” The program has been successful in achieving this mission in past years, giving students an opportunity to care for each other and reflect on their own growth.
The logistics of the trip itself may change. There might be “restrictions such as lower crew numbers and different policies,” Murray says. According to the North Carolina Outward Bound Website, participants must receive a viral COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to the start of the course, and there will be enhanced personal hygiene, increased cleaning, and sanitization. When required, participants must wear approved personal protective equipment. The biggest impact might be the policy that “all participants will have individual sleeping arrangements while on course.” All these restrictions might not be around in 2022, and administrators hope that the pandemic will have died down by then. However, “the school will have to be more cautious and take the lead from the North Carolina Outward Bound group,” says Mr. Letts.
These changes and uncertainties have caused different opinions among the students. Some students are optimistic and believe this trip will add to their high school experience. Rachel Lederman ‘24 and Izzy Rozes ‘24, believe that EA should carry out this important tradition so the class can grow closer and enjoy this unique trip, despite the COVID-19 impacts to timeline and arrangements. Lederman says she thinks the trip would be “a good opportunity to meet freshmen and carry out tradition.” Still, the incoming freshman will be sophomores, with two years of experience at EA when the class plans to take the trip. Some didn’t want to go in the first place because of the scary stories, like encountering huge snakes and getting legs full of mosquito bites. However, Ashley Tang, class of 2022 and Outward Bound veteran, explains that “I thought it was a scary experience before I went, and it was really tough hiking and being in the hot and uncomfortable setting. Looking back, it was really an experience that taught me to believe in myself, care for others, and appreciate what I have!”