Class trips are a right of passage for many students at AMHS. They are exciting times to get away from the stress of school and reconnect with nature and friends. Magnet offers a variety of trips over the course of four years, with one trip per grade level available on the average year. With this year’s trips fast approaching after spring break, it is necessary that we at the Talon provide a comprehensive ranking of these trips thus far and impart onto our readers a chronicle of our experiences so that all of the future generations of class trip goers are adequately prepared for the thrill and tribulation they will face. In this article we will review three magnet class trips that the senior class has taken part of: the Keys Trip, the Carowinds Trip, and the Nantahala Trip. Additionally, we will discuss the exciting prospects that await on the Senior Disneyland Trip coming up in May.
Ranking of Past Class Trips:
Number 3: Carowinds
The Carowinds Trip was the class trip that took place during the spring of Sophomore year. During the first day of this trip students performed large obstacle courses a terrifying distance above a river. They also got lost in the woods for an extended period of time, only making their way to the obstacle courses much later. A few groups of students were chased out of the kids obstacle course by children. Everyone made it out alive. Additionally, the entire group of students went rafting on a man made river rafting simulation, only a few boats tipped leaving some students stranded drifting in the water. One of the most interesting parts of the day was Coach Kanuer’s impromptu Karaoke of Party in the USA. On the second and last day of the trip students spent the day at Carowinds experiencing long lines and fun roller coasters. They were especially fun for those who don’t get motion sick. This trip was entertaining and nothing notably stood out as terrible. However it was very short and getting lost in the woods was confusing. It was the least dramatic of all of the trips which is why it is ranked third in this list.
Number 2: Nantahala
The Nantahala Trip was conversely the most dramatic of all of the trips. The Nantahala Trip unfolded over multiple days, the number of which I am not certain. It’s all a blur. This trip took place in a camp in the mountains of North Carolina. It was a beautiful backdrop for some fabulously questionable events. Our first sign to be cautious may have been the color of the water. The second may have been the rats in the ceiling of some of the boys’ cabins. Disregarding that, this trip was a lot of fun. From bonfires to rafting down rivers with tour guides speaking in southern accents this trip was all kinds of chaos and all kinds of fun. Students hiked, ziplined, “mountain biked” down a paved road in the mountains, and completed a series of team building challenges including hauling groups of people up a wall. Beyond that, this camp was the site of long walks, chilling by the river, late night talks, and endless games of mafia. This trip was also notably right before junior prom which meant lots of talks about potential dates, promposals, and prom related feuds. Overall, this was a great bonding experience, the cherry on top being the discovery that one of the cabins contained bed bugs. I don’t think AMHS will return to the Nantahala camp, but it was most definitely a trip full of laughs and strife. This trip’s entertaining highs and lows are what earns it its second place ranking.
Number 1: The Keys
The freshman Key’s Trip was without a doubt the best Magnet class trip that the Senior class experienced. This trip, headed and facilitated by Mr. McCormick, was one of the most memorable experiences from my time at Magnet. The trip took place over multiple days and included many adventures such as a trip to the trampoline park, swimming with manatees, hanging out in hotel pools, and stacking Connect 4 pieces on Mr. McCormick’s head (see featured image). And those were just things we did outside of Marine Lab. Marine Lab was the main event on this trip. There, students were taught about the marine ecosystem in the keys. Then students put that knowledge to use through labs. Does that not sound fun to you? Good news is that was only a small fragment of the time spent at Marine Lab. Most of the time was spent snorkeling in reefs, mangroves, and other marine ecosystems. On land, students hung out, played an abnormal quantity of volleyball and cards, and slept because this trip was long. In the end, friendships were formed that lasted throughout the rest of high school. This trip was fabulous earning it the top spot on the Class Trip Ranking.
Disney: The Senior Trip Yet To Come
The Disney Senior Trip is one of the most looked forward to trips, perhaps primarily because it marks the end of high school. However, this trip overall historically has the highest participation rate of any class trip. It also has the most spots available so that may be a factor. This trip involves a large portion of the senior class taking a several day long trip to Florida and its theme parks. If you’re a senior who would like to know more about it, check out the itinerary. I can’t tell you where to find it because I haven’t looked.
Overall, Academic Magnet offers a variety of entertaining bonding experiences, some more pleasant than others. If you are participating in a class trip this year, just remember that every experience is what you make it. Also check for bed bugs. That might be more important.
