Senior Trip 2016

The annual Senior Trip occurred again this past week and I was slated to participate as chaperon. This year, the Class of 2016 -- a group of 90 grade 12 students from International Community School -- worked together to organize a four-day retreat. These students are getting ready to close their high school chapter and start a new (typically college) chapter, and the annual retreat provides opportunity for them to celebrate and bond together one last time before moving in different directions next year.

The Student Senior Council did an outstanding job in working together to choose, organize, and arrange everything needed for this trip. This year the resort of choice was The Mango Resort located as far down the eastern coast of the Gulf of Thailand as possible, within minutes of the Cambodian border.

Sponsors had the Class of 2016 split into teams and compete in relay races. We thought it was a fun opportunity for students to kayak, bike, climb, balance and even build sandcastles together on the beach. The vast majority of students sure didn't disappoint showing their energy, flexibility and creativity as they worked as a team to get to the finish line!

As is the custom, teachers and students shared a BBQ'd dinner on the beach the last night of the retreat and then shared personal thoughts/memories of our time at ICS in efforts to properly prepare for the upcoming transition. This time of sharing is really meant for the students but teachers occasionally chime in as well. I felt led to share my thoughts, letting them know how much I enjoyed getting to know them these past four years. I have been particularly impressed this past year by the vision most have when they come through my office, conveying plans for careers and future studies.

While these visions are fantastic, I conveyed my hope and prayer that they also keep the bigger picture in mind. The bigger picture involving, not only looking to studies and career, but consideration of their unique & individual purpose in life -- a purpose that is not only defined by career (something someone else can also do) but to fulfill the reason THEY exist in this world. I encouraged them to see their next move to college as one step in a series of steps they will take throughout their lives, steps that will hopefully move them toward fulfilling their life purpose. And as a Christian, it is my ultimate prayer our students would seek God for this direction!

As mentioned earlier, the Student Senior Council did a wonderful job in raising funds and organizing this event to its completion. Most of us chaperons simply showed up to enjoy the fruits of their labor before we were put to work making sure everyone was accounted for throughout the week! It really is wonderful knowing that so many students from our school have the proven ability and capacity to lead in effective ways. As my generation gets older, it is comforting to witness the baton being passed to such capable runners willing to carry the torch successfully!