Thanks to a recent grant the district received and the hard work and support of the PVHS Administration team we had the opportunity to send 23 students to experience the ropes course at the Boys and Girls Club Camp Whittier Ropes Course. In the morning we split up into three groups and were given challenges by the instructors. During the imaginative activities one group battled asteroids while the others were crossing lava rivers and traversing great distances on giant skis. Mr. Bajwa was a chaperone and said, "This was a great opportunity for the students. It was fun to watch them interact and learn new things."

 

After completing the initial challenges we moved to the high elements of the ropes course where students put on climbing harnesses and helmets and started climbing! Facing their fears and shaking legs our Panthers crossed high wires, climbed the overhangs on the rock wall, and jumped off a 20 ft. Telephone pole! It was really something to watch several people push themselves to go farther than they ever thought they could and it was a day I won't soon forget and some of the students won't either.

 

"I learned that I am better than I think I am."~ Luis De Jesus.

"Camp Whittier was great for me because I can trust people now." ~ Christopher Navarro

"...I thought I couldn't go all the way but I faced my fears and jumped off the pole!" ~ Nathan Garcia

"It was both scary and exciting. Getting up on the pole wasn't that bad but actually walking across the wire was the hardest. Sometimes we just had to stop and take a breath in order to keep moving forward." ~ Banessa Chavez

 

Thanks to the administration staff for putting the trip together, thanks to Mrs. Del Rio for providing the grant funding and thanks to Mr. Noel and Mr. Bajwa for driving the vans and being such a big part of everything we do here. And last but not least, I'd like to thank all the students who participated. Just remember, if you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.