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An incredibly busy Saturday began in the best possible way, with early-morning Mass in Our Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel. Brunch followed in Gould Hall, after which the programmers changed their clothes, then met in the back of Gould Hall, where a coach bus awaited.

Once on board, the group set off for Mount Monadnock — the world’s most-hiked mountain, located only 40 minutes from campus — on a loud and lively bus ride. At the foot of the mountain, all unloaded and stocked up on water bottles and bug spray before beginning the ascent.

The climb was breathtaking in more than one sense, as hikers scaled rocks and navigated steep paths, climbing to an altitude of 3,165 feet. Every now and again a glimpse of the skyline would become visible through the trees, encouraging students to keep climbing and to view the landscape in all of its glory from above.

Along the route, a few programmers and prefects paused to engage in an interesting conversation with some hikers who just so happened to be discussing Leonidas and the Battle of Thermopylae, which are studied in Freshman Seminar at the College. Both parties hiked together for a while, exchanging thoughts and opinions until their paths parted and TAC’s group continued the upward trek. 

The views from the summit of Mount Monadnock were spectacular, as the programmers and prefects could see for miles and miles — and into five states! Everyone stayed at the top for quite some time, soaking in the ethereal view and the experience, while saying the Daily Office with Rev. Mr. Isaac Cross (’19). 

The bus ride back to campus was smooth and sleepy; students prayed the Rosary, then dozed off for the remaining time. Back on campus, a barbeque dinner of bratwursts, potato salad and watermelon greeted the hungry hikers upon their return. 

After dinner, everyone showered and changed into fresh clothes for Coffee Shop. Energy was still surprisingly abundant among the programmers, and the St. Frassati Student Center echoed with shouts and laughter amid dancing, games, and Italian ices. 

The last event of the evening was a movie night in Dolben Auditorium. Programmers were handed tickets to see Cinderella Man and, upon entering the theater, were greeted by prefect-impersonators of the two main fighters from the movie: Jim Braddock and Max Baer. A decked-out concession stand offered copious amounts of candy and popcorn, after which the group settled in for the night’s feature, followed by curfew and sleep.

Today the Summer Program is headed for art museum. Check the blog tomorrow morning to read about the experience!

More photos from the High School Summer Program

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