Due to Covid-19 protocols, Penn-Trafford’s 6th and 7th graders didn’t get to experience the annual Deer Valley field trip during their 5th-grade year, which has been the school district’s custom for 3 decades.
Rather than forego the environmental learning program for these students, the school district made the decision to send current 6th and 7th graders to the YMCA Camp located in Meyersdale, PA this fall.
During the week of September 26, 2022, the Penn Middle School students made the 2-½ day trip with 6th graders attending Monday through Wednesday morning and 7th graders attending Wednesday afternoon through Friday. Then during the week of October 10, Trafford Middle School students attended according to the same time schedule.
During the trip, students enjoyed many outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, boating, archery, and exploring. “Penn-Trafford believes that environmental education is extremely important,” said principal Mr. Joe Marasti, who helps coordinate the trip. “Our goal in providing this experience is that students gain an understanding of the environment and also develop a lifelong commitment to it.”
Trafford students took a guided bike tour
Trafford 6th-graders enjoying the fall foliage
Penn Middle 6th-graders gather for boat rides
Trafford 6th-grader, Brynne Lawson, caught a big fish
Penn Middle students enjoyed archery practice
Some Trafford 7th-graders pause from exploring for a photo
A student on the high ropes course
Gianna Sipe, Lilah Mrdjenovich,Taylor Gladkowski, Brynne Lawson, and Aria Smith show off the birdhouse they built together
Penn Middle 6th grader, Zach Moors, spends time at the archery range