Each year, the incoming freshman class travels to Blairstown, New Jersey, where they are immersed into nature on the beautiful camping grounds, as well as interactive games and challenges throughout three days. The trip, at the very start of the year, is intended to progress the class in becoming more unified, and integrated into Portledge. With over half of the grade being new students, it is crucial in bridging the gap between new coming, and returning Portledge Students. This year, the Class of ‘28 took their turn in this annual Portledge tradition, and participated in a variety of activities, from canoeing, to smore-making, to the well-known talent show. Accompanied by the peer leaders and Portledge faculty, the freshman class flourished, and showed great progress from the start, to the end of the trip. It was truly magical to see the smiling faces waking up each morning, and students connecting with one another that had never previously spoken. When speaking with many of the students themselves, they regarded the trip as “memorable”, “eye-opening”, and “so much fun”! They learned how to form meaningful relationships, independence as they enter high school, as well as organization skills.  The trip serves, and continues to serve as one of the most memorable, and enjoyable aspects of the Portledge experience, and is one that can be looked forward to for each incoming freshman class.