By Erika C.
Lake House took first place in the House Competition back in July. On October 18, they claimed their prize with a trip to Watkins Glen State Park. Lake House brainstormed for weeks about a suitable destination for the trip, and after careful consideration Watkins Glen State Park was chosen.
The beautiful park is located in the Village of Watkins Glen, about two hours north of the Family Foundation School. It was previously a mill site and then a series of private tourist resorts. In 1906, it was converted to a state park and in the early 1900s the state enhanced the trails with natural stone masonry and tunnels cutting into the falls. The park is open all year, with the exception of certain trails in extreme weather conditions. The park is praised for its 19 gorgeous waterfalls, ranging from 3 to 60 ft. high.
After an early morning Mass for the Catholic students and breakfast, the bus was loaded. The students were in good spirits and excited for the day outdoors. After the drive the students were ready to stretch their legs and hike up the trails. The park offers many trails with beautiful scenic views.
The staff and students hiked along a one and a half mile trail through the gorge, passing waterfalls and stunning stone formations. Signs that were posted explained facts about the ecology and history of the park.
The hike led to an open area where the family enjoyed a picnic provided by the school. Before lunch, the group talked about an experiment on friendship that the family was undertaking. After a short prayer, the meal was served and both the students and staff enjoyed being together on the beautiful fall day.
After the meal and the time spent playing Frisbee and having fun on the playground; the group made their way back down a different, yet equally beautiful trail to the park entrance and the bus. Before stopping to have dinner, Lake House walked along the nature trails at Binghamton University.
