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| 2016 Vermont Semester Students at Grafton Ponds XC Ski Center
We are all stumbling through the dark,
–tumbling through the tidal wave of change
together
But we are all lost together.
And it is in that abyss of the unknown, that we
find ourselves.
-Savannah Clancy
My name
is Caleb Kennedy and it is my honor to introduce myself as the scribe for the
first half of the 2016 Vermont Semester program. In the weeks and months to
come, it is my duty (and Big Job) to document and share the adventures of the 13
semester students.
Over
this past week, it has been incredible to see the growth of our community, and
how close we are already becoming. I feel like I have known the other students
for so much longer than a week. In truth, I have only scratched the tip of the
iceberg.
On
Thursday, each semester student was given a Big Job to carry through the first
half of our journey. These jobs are crucial to the preparation and execution of
our trip.
The students of the 2016 Vermont Semester and
their big jobs are as follows:
Notable Events of Last Week
Tuesday (the first full day of semester): We went for a little ski trip along the frozen
Grassy Brook which winds its way behind the Kroka Basecamp. Led by Misha, this
was a new experience to everyone, and was enjoyed by all. This was the first time a semester team has done this ski on the first day, it usually takes place after at least a week of local ski practice.
Wednesday to Saturday Afternoons: We learned
and practiced skate and classic cross-country skiing at Grafton Ponds Outdoor
Center.
Sunday morning: We slept late (8AM) and ate a
delicious pancake breakfast.
Monday night: We attended New England’s longest
running contra dance in Nelson, NH.
Here is a little peak into our day:
We
wake up, tucked away in our sleeping bags, to the sound of a gentle voice,
telling us it is morning. We slip on our layers of clothes and push open the
little door of our hobbit homes. It is still dark outside and the bitter cold
nips our faces. It is a tired, slow walk over to the yurt. Once inside, it is
warm and we are greeted by our peers. Not many words are exchanged, but
everyone drinks a steaming cup of tea, and has a little bit to eat, to sustain
us through the cold morning. We then part ways to do chores. Some may hear the
rooster’s crow as the sun creeps above the trees. Others may hear the dull thud
of the splitting axe strike the chopping block. A feeling of peace and harmony
washes over the students as they work alongside their classmates and friends,
to accomplish their greater goal together.
Weather observations: When we arrived, the
temperatures were below freezing and the snow was firm and powdery providing a nice base
for skiing. Over the week the snow has compressed and temperatures have risen, making the snow wet and slushy. Today, we even saw a few drops of rain. We long for snow!
We watch the fire
It will keep us warm tonight
It burns so brightly
-Bea Bittenbender
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| Hannah Billian, VT Semester Coordinator, works with Adam and Bea during Big Job introductions |
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| Kendal, Mathias and Savannah on the first day of semester |
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| Hanah and Hailey look at the expedition menu while Caleb learns photography in the background |
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| Tanner checks his break cables for the bike expedition in spring |
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| Sebi and Misha find treasures in the trash |
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| Rory works with Lynne on the farm on a chilly day |
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| Caleb checks the oil of the Kroka van with Linda |
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| Lisl teaches Sam about the sewing machine |
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| Ezra teaches Claudia how to keep the sewing room and bike shop warm for students |
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| Julian looks over the maps for skiing the length of Vermont! |
