We started with an awesome breakfast at Esselon where everyone loaded up with lots of yummy food. We enjoyed the awesome atmosphere in the restaurant and everyone chatted for a solid amount of time before we kept journeying east.
A little further down Rt. 9 we stopped at Walmart where everyone was given the chance to pickup any trip odds and ends they still needed. Some kids purchased journals, and other pillows, a stretchy plastic worms. At 10 we met up outside Barnes and Noble and went in right as they opened up. Inside the kids were given a half hour to explore before we gathered in the cafe to hear presentations from June, Taline, and Linnea.
Next we drove over to the Notch where we gathered up to hear a land acknowledgement done by Parker and Mrs. Seamon-Ingalls. We then had a great 90-minute hike out to a phenomenal lookout point. We conversed along the way and the group did super well on the trail.
We then made our way north to Montague where we went to the Bookmill for lunch and to spend some time at one of the most amazing places on earth. The kids bought more books and ate more delicious food. A short drive and walk later we arrived the New England Peace Pagoda located in Leverett. After learning about the site the kids got some time to explore and soak in the unique space before we headed back to Willston.
I’m super excited about our day trip around Western, MA coming up this Sunday, 1/9! Remember, you need to be out front of Reed by 7:25am. We will be back on campus by 6pm. Remember to dress warmly and to hike outside, as well as bring money for breakfast, lunch, and $30 more.
A page with all current information about which meals are covered by the trip as well as where we’ll be located each night has been added to the portal page.
A few new forms have just come my way that need to be complete by ALL student trip participants by Friday, 1/13:
Tour Time Form: This is the local NZ company. Adults can fill this out for their children.
You do not need to upload a visa.
NZeTA + IVL: This is a required form and fee for all people entering New Zealand. The fastest, cheapest, and easiest way to get this done is for each participant to do it on their own via the APP option on that web page. I just completed the steps in about 3 minutes and was approved in 5 more. Everyone needs to forward me the email they receive that contains their NZeTA reference number. In order to complete the process you will need to:
Have access to your passport. (I can email it to you if need it.)
Be able to take a photo of the trip participant.
Be able to pay $52 using a credit card.
This form need to be completed by all SCUBA participants by Friday, 1/13:
Coral Coast Liability Waiver. This is the company we are diving with in Fiji. You should be able to download the form, fill it in digitally, and email it to me.
We have a super fun week ahead. Here’s what you need to know:
Cannon has joined the trip! Hooray! Welcome Cannon!
Thursday, January 5th: Morning meeting @ PA room, 7:25am to 8am. I look forward to seeing presentations from Olivia, Grey, Aster, and Liz. The presentation schedule has been updated and is posted below.
Sunday, January 8th: Day trip around Western, MA! Everyone needs to be out front of Reed by 7:50am. We will be back on campus by 6pm. We will be meandering around the area doing lots of fun things! The itinerary is a surprise! That being said, here’s what you need to know about the day:
We will start by eating breakfast all together at a local awesome cafe.
Bring enough money for breakfast, lunch, and $30 more
One of our activities is a hike outside for about 90 minutes. Dress warm with a hat, gloves, and comfortable footwear for a moderate hike.
Bring the journal you’ll be bringing on the trip, if you have one.
During the trip we will be seeing presentations from Taline, Linnea, and June!
We had an awesome meeting this morning which was particularly notable since we had ALL trip participants together for the first time!
Everyone took the names quiz and this time around the group average was 72%. Let’s get that to 100%! The top scorers on this round were: Alyssa (100%), Liz (100%), Zoe (98%), Linnea (98%), Sako (98%). Remember, spelling counts and that there is a study sheet up on the portal page.
We watched an awesome presentation from Pieceson and learned about why Queenstown is known as the adventure capital of the world. Great job Pierceson!
We went over and talked about the itinerary, which has been recently updated.
Our next morning meeting is on Thursday, January 5th, 2023 @ 7:30am in the PA room.
Our day trip around Western, MA is on Sunday, January 8th and the Packing Meeting is on Sunday, February 12th! Our event schedule can always be checked on the important dates page.
One of the places we’re visiting in Fiji gives us gear and they need to know our sizes. Please fill out this sizing form by Wednesday, 11/30/22.
The lasttrip payment of $2,267 is due into the Business Office on Monday, December 5th. The best way to make the payment is to call Karen Yarra at (413) 529-3289.
The nextmorning meeting is happening on Thursday, December 8th at 7:30am in the PA room located right next to the Dining Commons. Please make sure you are seated by 7:25am. I look forward to seeing presentations from Pierceson and Grey during the meeting. Everyone’s topic and assigned presentation date are listed on the topic tracking sheet which is listed on the portal page.
Please make sure you’ve started thinking about packing. On the portal page you’ll find links to the packing list as well as a gear recommendation document.
