Altamont's 9th Grade FPW

Problem solving exercises

2008-10-09T17:30:00.002-05:00

Mr. Palmer's Group

2008-10-09T17:28:00.001-05:00

Alpine Tower

2008-10-09T17:26:00.001-05:00

Getting some grub

2008-10-09T17:23:00.001-05:00

Coach Bruno's group on the Alpine Tower

2008-10-09T17:21:00.002-05:00

Thursday's Activities

2008-10-09T17:16:00.002-05:00

Here are some pictures of Mr. Parke's group on the ropes course.

Rainy days don't get us down

2008-10-08T19:53:00.002-05:00

When the rain started falling on my tin roof last night, I woke up and hoped it wouldn't rain all day. It did.

For the kids though, it didn't matter. They still participated in all of the activities their group was scheduled for and they kept their spirits up. The weather could have really turned the group's mood, but it didn't. It was really nice seeing that positive energy.

The only thing the rain really dampened was the photo ops. A few of them mugged for the camera before dinner tonight. Hopefully, I'll get some more action shots tomorrow.

More Ropes Course

2008-10-07T17:36:00.002-05:00

Ropes Course photos

2008-10-07T17:29:00.002-05:00

More pics

2008-10-07T17:19:00.002-05:00

Alpine Tower Ropes Course

2008-10-07T17:11:00.002-05:00

Today has been really busy and everyone really seems to be having a great time. Coach Bruno's group did some leadership initiatives and then rafted in the afternoon. Mr. Palmer's group did the ropes course all day while Mr. Parke's group rafted first thing this morning and spent the afternoon on the alpine tower.

Enjoy the pictures. We'll be posting some from Coach Bruno's group later this evening.

Good morning

2008-10-07T07:06:00.003-05:00

The temperature dipped down into the 40s last night, but that did not deter about 10 young men who went running this morning around the NOC property. Others slept in, and as pictured here, one young man spent some quiet time working on some reading.

We've arrived

2008-10-06T17:24:00.003-05:00

The ride up went well, we've been fed and the kids are getting the lay of the land. Here are a few pictures of the day's events.

As you can see, the boys are never far from some sort of football.

More to come tomorrow.

How hilly is it?

2008-10-03T10:18:00.002-05:00

A few students have asked how hilly NOC is, so I dug out this picture.

Really though, it's not that bad. And no, that is not me racing in the inset photo. As a matter of fact, that photo is of a 1920s era cyclocross race in France.

The area where we are staying is about as steep as the drive from the lower parking lot to the school, but taller overall. I'd say the total elevation difference is about the same as the hairpin turn at Cliff/Altamont up to the school.

Students will be doing a lot of going up and down the hill since their cabins are at the very top of the property, the diner is halfway down the hill and the group activities are located at the bottom.

Weather forecast

2008-10-03T06:58:00.001-05:00

Here's the weather forecast for next week.

Monday& Tuesday: Sunny with highs in the mid 70s and lows in the upper 40s

Wednesday: Getting cloudy with a high around 75 and the low around 48

Thursday and Friday: Possibly some rain with temps in the low 70s and mid 40s

Be sure and bring a raincoat and a jacket of some type.

Departure Time Confirmed

2008-09-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

Everyone, our departure time for Monday, October 6th has been confirmed. We are leaving the lower parking lot at 9:30 a.m.

Note that is our DEPARTURE time, not the time for you to get here.

Rooming Assignments Are Done

2008-09-29T09:57:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow, the 9th graders will meet in the Diner at Activities to find out their room assignments. Coach Bruno will have the sheets since I will be in a meeting at that time.

What do I need to bring?

2008-09-25T15:31:00.000-05:00

One of the most common questions about this trip regards what the students need to bring.

For rafting, this is what the NOC website has to say. "For cooler weather, avoid cotton, as it keeps you cold when it gets wet. If the weather is warm, shorts and a T-shirt with a bathing suit will be sufficient. Shoes that fasten securely to your feet are required at all times. At any time of year, avoid heavy cotton fabrics. Jeans and sweatshirts are highly absorbent (think of a cotton towel) and will do nothing to enhance warmth or comfort level."

I wear nylon hiking shorts and t-shirt with a pair of Tevas. Don't feel you need to go buy these if you do not have any. A pair of tennis shoes are fine for the river. NOC provides nylon splash jackets and pants for those who want them as well as PFDs, which are required at all times on the river.

For the Ropes Course and Alpine Tower, students should plan to wear close toed shoes along with jeans/shorts and a t-shirt. If they wear tennis shoes rafting, a second pair of tennis shoes is advisable.

In general, students should also plan to bring the following items:

sweater/jacket or polar fleece

a raincoat

clothing for four days

sleeping bag or single bed linens

pillow

toiletries and a towel

flip flops for showers

flashlight/head lamp

sunscreen & insect repellent

$50 is plenty of money for the trip. If you give them more, they will spend it, and trust me, what they buy will fit them, not you.

Email me at cparke@altamontschool.org or phone me at 445-1200 if you have any questions.

Get that paperwork in!

2008-09-25T14:11:00.000-05:00

Hey kids, don't forget to get your paperwork in to Mr. Parke by the end of the day on Friday.
You can't pick roommates if you owe him all of the forms. You know how he likes rules.

Anyone leaving NOC with another family must bring in a note from their parents saying this is okay!