With the memories of last year’s snow-filled adventures still in our collective memory, The Academy headed back to Cedar Glen for its 2025 edition, albeit during our more traditional late October timeframe. As usual, the bus rolled onto the beautiful 263 acre property on a late morning October day. After unloading bags and organizing on the field, staff and students were briefed on the rules and expectations of the trip. The fun (as it always does) began after lunch, but this year a bit out of order.
With a lot of rain scheduled for Thursday and Friday, we decided to run the Academy Games on the first day this year in order to get the most out of Wednesday’s great weather. This annual competition—part regatta, part Amazing Race had Navy and Maroon teams racing through a mix of physical challenges, and teamwork-based events. Laughter echoed across the fields as strategies unfolded, friendly rivalries reignited, and cheers erupted for every hard-fought victory. In the end, for the FIRST TIME EVER in Academy games history, we had co-winners with Maroon and Navy sharing the victory! The rest of the day had students choose various indoor and outdoor activities.
Thursday morning began with a dark and cloudy sky, but with no signs of rain (yet). With the weather on our side, students spent the morning doing some art in nature before finally getting some personal down time before lunch. After refueling in the dining hall, students played a variety of indoor games run by the Cedar Glen staff. Although all of the mini games are fun, everyone always looks forward to the pinnacle of the challenges, “How well do you know your teachers?” Once completed, half the students (despite a bit of rain having started) braved the weather and worked on outdoor shelter building while the other half created bracelets as part of a Jack Club organized activity. Dinner came and went and students began preparing for the evening’s Halloween dance. After singing and dancing in various costumes, our second day came to an end.
By Friday morning, after one last round of activities; animal survival games or some more spirited indoor activities, bags were packed, friendships strengthened, and memories made. As the bus pulled away from Cedar Glen, The Academy left with hearts full, minds recharged, and plenty of stories to tell back at school.
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