Once again at North & South Esk Regional High School students attended a weekend at the Kennedy Lakes. There were twelve students with six supervisors and even two supervisors brought their six year old son. On Friday, May 29th the students headed to the Plaster Rock highway with their bags and canoes. After canoeing and portaging for around three hours, they arrived at their camp site. The students set up their tents and began to settle into their surroundings. The students made themselves right at home making clotheslines, tables to put their propane stoves on and even stools made out of tree trunks. The students jumped right into fishing off the shore and from canoes on Friday evening. The night with them ended sitting around the campfire and enjoying the great outdoors. Saturday morning the students woke up bright and early ready for a full day of activity. Students could be seen fishing, swimming, cooking , or just hanging around the campsite. You would never think the students were living in the woods with the meals they cooked. They cooked steak, pasta and even homemade fries. Once darkness set in well on Saturday night, the students and supervisors went out for a night paddle with only the light of glow sticks hooked to their PFD’s to find each other. The students considered this just one of the many highlights of this trip and even set off fireworks over the lake. When Sunday morning came, most were reluctant to leave. They sadly packed up their things and tore down their tents. With a heavy wind at their backs, it was a quick paddle back to road. The students were sad to leave, but relieved to come home to hot showers. Grade 12 students that are leaving this year are hoping they will be asked to come back next year as supervisors. This Kennedy lakes trip has been running at North & South Esk Regional High for many years and is a great leadership, team building experience for all those involved. Graduates attending this sometimes strenuous, always rewarding experience during their time at NSER are officially awarded the prestigious title of “Woodchuck” and Mr. Silliker will certainly miss this amazing group. By Nakita Somers and Jenna Matchett.