As the school bus comes to a stop, students are amazed at the sight they see before them. Peters Lake Park slowly is revealed to them as they get into the kayaks stationed at the dock. With great enthusiasm, everyone begins a wonderful adventure.

The kayaking trip is offered to all students who take the kayaking class in gym. Many students really seem to enjoy the class because of the skills it teaches them. Nicole Page, a sophomore, said she really enjoyed the class and hopes she can take it again.

Even though the class might be fun, it also prepares you for the unexpected obstacles on the trip. Nicole said the hardest part of the class was learning how to tip the boat and get back in, but she said it truly helped her.

“I knew how to avoid obstacles in the lake so I wouldn’t get hit or hurt,” Nicole said. These skills could save you from a bad injury or even just getting wet.

Even the teachers of the class have a great time. Ms. Seraphin and Mrs. Thomas love teaching the class as a whole, but they both said they feel rushed teaching it.

Ms. Seraphin said, “You wish you had some more time to teach the skills to the students.”

But the one thing they love seeing is how much all the students enjoy the class and the field trip.

“The kids love it!” Mrs. Thomas said.

They also like giving students a break from their studies to enjoy the outdoors and practice the skills taught to them at school.

This idea of the kayaking class was conceived when the athletic department received the Highmark Grant for Outdoor Lifetime Activities. The grant provided not only for the kayaks for this class but also the bikes for the mountain biking class. It has not only given the athletic department a way to get kids more active, but a way in which students can enjoy themselves as well.

So as the paddles hit the water in Peters Lake Park, students smile in gratitude for the amazing sight, class, and teachers that have given them the awesome experience that will stay with them through their entire lives!