FOR TWO DAYS and one night last week, the Class of 2012 enjoyed life at 4-H Memorial Camp, adjacent to Allerton Park and far away from the halls of Uni.

It was the fourth annual freshman trip to Allerton, and the students made the most of their time. They enjoyed rock climbing, boat racing, chatting over a bonfire, and participating in several other group activities, such as land navigation taught by math teacher Craig Russell. (For a complete schedule, see below.)

This year's retreat was planned by health teacher Andi Phillips and guidance counselors Sarah Dewhurst and Rachel Green. The freshman class left Thursday morning and spent the night in cabins. They returned to Uni Friday afternoon.

The Allerton retreat was the brainchild of current senior Isaac Chambers, who proposed the idea and got it implemented during the 2005-06 school year. The trip is meant to be a sociable and educational experience for all participants. As these pictures show, this year's freshmen didn't have any trouble enjoying their time away from school!

Note: All photos courtesy of freshman Sarah Sutter

A Glimpse of Allerton 2009

One of the cabins freshmen stayed in during their trip to Allerton 4-H Memorial Camp. All photos courtesy of Sarah Sutter (click any photo to enlarge and to create your own slideshow)

Math teacher Craig Russell works with students during a navigation activity.

Abigail Radnitzer (left) and Hoda Sayegh make a boat. The boat races have proven to be one of the highlights of the Allerton trip.

Sayegh and Sarah Sutter proudly display their boat.

Rodney LeNoir (left) and Francois Dossin enjoy a game of volleyball.

Hye Ji Choi takes a dip in the cold waters after the boat race.

Vivian Hagerty models the latest in waterproof gear.

Johnny Shapley tries on a cone hat — no doubt there's a valid educational reason for that.

Sayegh and Jamie Blue loved their time at Allerton.

2009 ALLERTON Experience at a glance

Thursday, April 16

• 8 a.m. — freshmen meet with bags and wait for departure (Uni west entrance)
• 9 a.m. — arrive at Allerton/move into cabins (4H Memorial Camp)
• 9:15 a.m. — meet as group to collect maps/schedules/rules (rec. shelter)
• 9.30-10.50 a.m. — orange team: land navigation (rec. shelter); blue team: leadership (dining hall porch)
• 11 a.m.-12.20 p.m. — orange team: leadership (dining hall porch); blue team: land navigation (rec. shelter)
• 12:30-1:25 p.m. — lunch (dining hall)
• 1:30-5:30 p.m. — orange team: titanic challenge (rec. shelter); blue team: climbing tower/high ropes (climbing tower)
• 5:30-6:30 p.m. — dinner (dining hall)
• 6:30-8 p.m. — free time (cabins/grounds)
• 8-9 p.m. — s'mores at campfire (campfire location)
• 9-10:50 p.m. — free time (cabins/grounds)
• 11 p.m. — in cabins for night (designated cabin)

Friday, April 17

• 7:30-8 a.m. — breakfast (dining hall)
• 8:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. — orange team: climbing tower/high ropes (climbing tower); blue team: titanic challenge (rec. shelter)
• 12:15-1 p.m. — lunch (dining hall)
• 1-1:30 p.m. — pick up, clean up, free time (cabins/grounds)
• 1:30 p.m. — depart Allerton, head to Uni