One hundred and thirty new students have registered for the new year, and five days of hiking, camping (and sports camps) are upon us. The families of new students had to pass through teams of welcoming volunteer parents and returning students.
So-called "old" students are positioned to guide families to the appropriate dormitory.
The first order of business is to simply sign in, check that forms have been completed, and receive lots of important information.....like where you're going to live for the next nine months.
Then there's the mundane tasks of picking up a room key, getting a bank account opened at the local branch, and signing up for laundry service.
After a nice lunch under expansive tents, the school bell rings; people are herded to the south slope, and Mike welcomes newcomers to Proctor's thirty-eighth consecutive Wilderness Orientation. Following, and pictured to the right, are Orientation Director Brooks Bicknell '77 and Director of Admission Chris Bartlett.
Orientation groups are announced, and retreat to local locales (sorry) before we all gather for one of Proctor's enduring traditions...... the ceremonial lap-sit.
A new start at a new school is an understandably anxiety-ridden experience. Still, we know that it does not take long for those anxieties to be replaced by friendships, as demonstrated by Daniel (Korea), Talon (Arizona) and Niko (Germany).
Later in the afternoon, when the move into the dorm room is complete, the moment comes when parents have to say good-bye.
