St Croix 14 Day 10

After such a great trip it's hard to believe our adventure is coming to an end.  We all had such a great time challenging ourselves to try new things and taking the time to get to know each other.  We have all grown and learned so much about St Croix and about ourselves.  We hope this trip can be a catalyst for continued growth and maturity in the future. This group has become like a family and it will be awesome to see their bonds strengthen in the Upper School. We cannot think of a better group of kids, and we feel lucky to have shared this adventure with each of you. Talia, Caroline (Carolib) Henry, Jacob, Wilbur, Gabby (Gunnit), Kendall, Rex, Ian, Kenzi, Grace, and Clay. We hope you have a great summer, do a lot of J-chilling, practice your nae-naes and front flips, watch out for Kasha, wear your V-necks the proper way, don't lose your rings, watch out for mango sap, get your cookies in your mouth on the 1st try, enjoy your Cokes and fast food, learn about some random plant, have awkward shower conversations, wear your sunscreen, watch out for "Cinderblock", listen to scary music in the middle of the night, throw "in the morning" in songs randomly, keep a look out for nurse sharks, talk to new people and go out of your comfort zones, work on honing your "inter compass" and  think of the amazing adventure you had to kick off your Upper School journey.

Love, Zim and Archie

st Croix 14 Day 9

After a relaxed morning we departed for Christensted and arrived at the boardwalk where we boarded a boat for Buck Island.  After an enjoyable 30 minute ride students arrived at a unique and beautiful national park that is Buck Island.  1st students snorkeled through a grotto in the reef where we saw many varieties of parrot fish, lots of barracuda, and blue tang.  Since our group was comprised of profficient snorkelers we were able to explore more of the reef towards the crystal clear blue water of a 45 foot ridge that many students tried to free dive with Elliot.  After snorkeling, the kids hung out on the beach and played games like Shake n bake (which is when they see who can get the sandiest in 20 seconds). 

A small group decided to hike to the top of Buck Island, and the view at the top made the hike worth it! They also talked to some local kids on the beach who immediately knew they were tourists.  The lunch on the boat was amazing. We were all missing US food like crazy!

Back at DG we hung out, sang on the top of the sugar mill.  Everyone is reluctant for this trip to end, but our positive students are saying "don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."  We all had an amazing time with many hugs, laughs, and good memories that will last a lifetime. 

St Croix 14 day 8

Today we got up early and went for a hike to the eastern most edge of the United States.  Adrian and his dog Diego joined us today as we helped Ty celebrate his birthday.  Ty led us on a hike about 1.5 miles up Goat hill to get the most beautiful views of the beaches and water.  

It was a scorcher of a day but totally worth the climb!  Even with all the sharp Kasha (aka the acacia) plants ripping at us no one complained.  We have the most positive spirited kids ever! We stopped to eat our bagged lunches near a beach at the bottom of the hill and even got to see some hatched turtle eggs.  We then hiked over to a different beach to go snorkeling.  By that point we were all dying to get in the water.  We are all such experienced snorkelers by now we couldn't wait to see the long reef.  We split into 2 groups and headed out.  

Here is a summary of what we saw: 

A huge Queen conk, some new healthy Stag horn coral (which is exciting because it is endangered.) we saw conks galore, sand dollars, and even a mysterious head shield sea slug.  Some saw a Morley eel, mantis shrimp, and Barracuda.  Probably our favorite highlight was when Jacob found a nurse shark!  We all got to swim down and see it hiding under some coral which was very cool.

We hiked back out and came back to DG for some needed down time.  Everyone gave a record # of shout outs at circle up time tonight.  Everyone enjoyed talking on the trail today and helping each other out along the way.  What a great group of kids and leaders.  We are so lucky to be getting these experiences together.  

St Croix 14 day 7

After an early morning breakfast we went to Mrs Yvette's farm.  This farm is 100% organic and uses techniques to replenish the land and treat their animals humanely.  We learned it takes 90 days to grow a pumpkin and that cross cropping can save space and produce healthier, stronger plants.  

After the farm we had arts and crafts time with Ty where students made jewelry, musical instruments, and assorted goods out of bamboo, coconuts, sea glass, ancient pottery, etc.  

After that we went shopping at Kmart for the Girls and Boys Club.  Then we presented the toys to the kids along with a check for $259.  They were very surprised and deeply greatful for what our kids had done for them.  

At night we J-chilled and played games.  All in all, a great day! 

St Croix 14 Day 6

Day 6 was diving day! The kids were split up into two groups: the first group took off after breakfast and went scuba diving. After a quick training dive, they dove to 40 feet and explored the underwater world! Students saw a stingray, 5 trumpet fish, 2 lion fish, and much, much more! Mean while, group 2 got in touch with their inner tourista, and explored The various gift shops of St. Croix. Next, group 2 got to dive while group 1 had lunch in Christiansted. Upon return, students did some arts and crafts, and then j-chilled.

 All would argue that the highlight of the day was the dance off underwater, featuring moves such as the "nae-nae", the worm, and the Saturday night fever.

St Croix 14 Day 5

We slept in and woke up late to a wonderful pancake breakfast. It was Sunday Funday which means...we don't know what that means.  Each activity is always a surprise to the kids. We packed our lunches and went snorkeling at a rather private beach in Cane Bay.  Some collecting sea glass and all saw lots of lobster in the water while snorkeling.  Elliot even let us touch a purple anemone which was sticky to the touch. Everyone is getting along and having a great time.  Everyone is always positive and encouraging.  We decided that "the universe is listening" and our positive attitudes are creating positive experiences, like the sea turtles coming in past the 11th hour yesterday.  Our kids are so easy going they would have been satisfied with dissecting unhatched babies and seeing only a turtle shaped cloud.  Luckily we got a whole lot more.

When we returned from snorkeling there were African Dancers waiting for us.  Though for some of us our energy was starting to fade, we danced our hearts out and had a great time stepping out of our comfort zones.  

Our dinner consisted of all the Tuna and Mahi we had bought at the market the day before.  Yum!  Then we sat back and listened to Elliott teach us about Scuba Diving for our outing on Monday.  Another jam packed happy day here in St Croix.  

St Croix 14 Day 4:

Today the kids traveled to the farmers market to dive into the culture.  They bought fruits and vegetables that were new and unknown to them from the Cruzian venders.  They also got to visit the fish market and see the local catches of the day. 

 After the market, a seventh generation bush doctor, Veronica Gordon, came and taught the kids medicinal uses for the plants.  They even dared to eat the aloe which the taste was totally worse than they thought. They also got to make a papaya salad with Veronica.

 After the bush doctor, everyone had some free time and made coconut jewelry or played games together.  To finish off the day we went to Sandy Point Wild Life Refuge and got to see two female leatherback turtles.  The first turtle nest kept collapsing so she gave up and moved somewhere else but we watched the second one successfully complete making her nest and laying eggs.  It was an amazing experience.

St Croix 14 Day 3

Today, students embraced the beauty of St. Croix. After a nature walk, the girls plunged into the tropical waters off the pier,  the boys went snorkeling... Then the tables were turned ( Gabby Lascari ). Quickly following, we got the chance to hang out with the children of the Boys and Girls Club, and played some intense games. Carol Dibonnnnė made a lifelong friend, Kennalle Hathaway, hit the naenae and showed off some tricks while Talia knifesharpener was asked out. You could say we had a fun time! Live life the way you want to live it. ( Will Fabrizío)

        -Anon

St Croix 14 day 2:

CHC students got off to an early start! After a nutritional breakfast (frootloops, pops, yogurt, bagels, etc.) they began blindfold challenges to build teamwork and communication. These activities led right into rock wall climbing!! The climbing wall was actually a side of a sugar mill from the 1800's here at Discovery Grove. Every student rang the bell at the top of the wall [maybe next time Mr. Archer :-( ] despite a widespread fear of heights. Following this was a much needed and anticipated trip to the beach to inspect snorkel gear. We returned to DG, and after some downtime, went to the historic Salt Bay for bioluminescent kayaking! It was so cool to hold the glowing comb jellies. Finally, students hit the sack. What a packed day!