n the weeks leading up to the “Junior-Certificate- Results-Day”, everyone had already forgotten about about the exams that ended 3 months prior. Instead, all of the students were focused on preparations for the Transition Year Camping Trip.
On Wednesday, instead of TY students, we saw 90 campers enter the school, carrying tents and huge bags full of food, clothes, cooking utensils and many vital electronic devices.
As soon as we got our results, we quickly gathered our belongings, crammed everything onto the bus, and drove off to Lough Dan.
When we arrived, we began to set up our tents. Some of us took longer than others to get to grips with our tents, but in the end everyone had their temporary house set up.
The Barn soon became an arena of card game showdowns. The most popular game was one named “Spit”. A fairly straightforward game, mainly based on luck and quick reflexes.
In the evenings, everyone huddled around the bonfire, singing pop songs and just overall having fun.
The next morning, after a wet and windy night, most of the year gathered in the barn to prepare breakfast. Upon entering the barn, there was a very noticeable aroma of bacon and toast. It truly felt like home.
As soon as breakfast was over, everyone started preparing for the 17 km hike. We packed all the necessary items, such as water, food and water-proof clothing, and set off on our little adventure.
The hike itself was quite challenging and was filled with constant changes in terrain. From steep hills to boggy and muddy ground, the hike covered everything. Everyone completed the hike, and for our hard work, everyone was rewarded with the scenic beauty of the Wicklow Mountains (and a burger when we got back). The views and nature were absolutely amazing. The morale was extremely positive during the entire walk, and we all returned to the campsite very pleased and exhausted.
In the end, despite the freezing and wet weather, we all had a great time in Lough Dan. I feel that our year has definitely become more integrated and we are, without a doubt, becoming a unit.
On Wednesday, instead of TY students, we saw 90 campers enter the school, carrying tents and huge bags full of food, clothes, cooking utensils and many vital electronic devices.
As soon as we got our results, we quickly gathered our belongings, crammed everything onto the bus, and drove off to Lough Dan.
When we arrived, we began to set up our tents. Some of us took longer than others to get to grips with our tents, but in the end everyone had their temporary house set up.
The Barn soon became an arena of card game showdowns. The most popular game was one named “Spit”. A fairly straightforward game, mainly based on luck and quick reflexes.
In the evenings, everyone huddled around the bonfire, singing pop songs and just overall having fun.
The next morning, after a wet and windy night, most of the year gathered in the barn to prepare breakfast. Upon entering the barn, there was a very noticeable aroma of bacon and toast. It truly felt like home.
As soon as breakfast was over, everyone started preparing for the 17 km hike. We packed all the necessary items, such as water, food and water-proof clothing, and set off on our little adventure.
The hike itself was quite challenging and was filled with constant changes in terrain. From steep hills to boggy and muddy ground, the hike covered everything. Everyone completed the hike, and for our hard work, everyone was rewarded with the scenic beauty of the Wicklow Mountains (and a burger when we got back). The views and nature were absolutely amazing. The morale was extremely positive during the entire walk, and we all returned to the campsite very pleased and exhausted.
In the end, despite the freezing and wet weather, we all had a great time in Lough Dan. I feel that our year has definitely become more integrated and we are, without a doubt, becoming a unit.