After a summer of relaxation and fun, the Class of 2026 gathered on the quad bright and early on September 2, duffels and sleeping bags in hand. The energy was high as seniors prepared to kick off their year with the much-anticipated overnight trip to Camp Iroquois Springs.
Once everyone was packed and ready, the group loaded onto buses and headed north. After the hour-and-a-half long ride to Rock Hill, New York, the seniors settled into their bunks before jumping straight into a day packed with activities. From climbing on the ropes course to taking a dip in the lake to playing competitive games of pickleball and basketball, the Class of 2026 spent the day reconnecting with friends and starting their final year together on a high note.
After a full day of activities, the Class of 2026 came together in the dining hall for a quiet moment of reflection. Following dinner, Dean Drybala, the class dean, led a special tradition: handing out the letters students had written to themselves on their very first day of freshman year. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as seniors opened their envelopes and took in the words of their ninth-grade selves. Everyone was reminded of how far they had come in just three years. Once everyone had read and reflected, Dean Drybala passed out fresh paper and pens. This time, seniors wrote new letters to their future selves, writing down their hopes and goals for their final year at Fieldston. The letters were sealed and collected, waiting to be opened on one of the last days of senior spring. The exercise was nostalgic and a perfect way to mark the beginning of the end of the Class of 2026’s Fieldston journey.
To close out the night, the Class of 2026 gathered around the fire pit. After roasting marshmallows and making s’mores, the seniors settled into a circle around the fire. Class presidents Alexa Camillo and Alex Goodman kicked things off by sharing their goals for the year ahead before inviting classmates to do the same. At first, students were hesitant to stand up in front of their peers, but soon, one by one, they began to share. Quickly, the firepit became a safe space. Students spoke about their hopes, challenges and what they wanted to take away from their senior year. Laughter and applause filled the night as the class came together to support one another. After an incredible day of fun and bonding, the seniors returned to their bunks feeling closer and ready for the year to come.
After a good night’s sleep, the Class of 2026 packed up their bags, grabbed breakfast, and got ready for the highlight of the trip: rafting. Dressed in bathing suits and sunscreen, the seniors loaded onto buses and headed to the Delaware River for a full day on the water.
Once they arrived, students strapped on life jackets, grabbed paddles and climbed into their six-person rafts. The first leg of the trip was a three-mile paddle before stopping for lunch along the riverbank. After recharging, the class set off for the final six miles. Despite the name, the “white water” was calm and steady, which meant lots of paddling. Paddling became a bonding moment as the students worked together to keep moving forward. The day was long, fun and a little exhausting, but there was a shared sense of accomplishment when everyone reached the end of the route.
The Class of 2026 returned to Fieldston tired but carrying with them the memories of two days filled with laughter, teamwork and reflection. Dean Dybala put it best: “The senior trip has always been one of my favorite events of the year because it brings the class together and helps students start shaping their vision for senior year. It’s such a highlight because it allows us to reconnect and bond, and I think this year’s trip was a perfect example of why the tradition is so special.” From ropes courses to campfires to miles of paddling, the trip reminded everyone of why this tradition is so special: it marks the beginning of their final year as a united class. As Dean Drybala shared, this trip was a perfect example of how coming together can set the tone for a year filled with growth, connection and unforgettable moments.
