A full night’s rest has given students a remarkable change in attitude. Where there was heavy eyelids, there is now bright excitement; a zombie shuffling, a spring in their step; and a head in their hands, a straight and upright spine.
The day started off a hearty breakfast and three segments. The first segment involved re-learning the names of the horses, goats, donkeys, and alpacas. We also got to meet the new ranch hand, Rachel. Next, students were able to head down to the low ropes course where teamwork, agility, and ingenuity were on the menu. Students need to work their way through a spiderweb of rope. The catch? One student per opening. The last segment involved students working diligently on the academics that they brought with them.
After this, students got to go into a variety of work projects. Some students cleaned the rooms and common areas of the ranch. Another group was able to stain the fences around the farm. All students are back to their helpful selves up here. But you at home are probably done with my vernacular, so here is what a student had to say about one of the work projects:
“During barn work today, an alpaca ran. The gate from its stall was left open and it ran. To me, it was exhilarating because I didn’t know what was going to happen… Fortunately, it went back into its stall. It was a crazy experience that I will never forget.”
~Daniel Cano
After these projects, students began working on secret surprise. Wallpaper samples, magazines, glue, paint brushes, were spread widely over the tables. Students really got into this activity, putting their hearts into precise pruning of the wallpaper.
The rest of the night, the students contemplated their future, and went to bed well-fed. The fire has still left no trace here on this side of the park. Expect more student written perspectives of what life is like here on the ranch.
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