Parent Trip Review
I just returned from Chile where I spent five days
with Isaac and the New River Academy gang, also known
as Huge Experiences. David Hughes invited parents to
join the traveling school group for a few days of
paddling. What an awesome way to interact with
teachers and students. I feel I experienced a candid
look into the daily operations as well as the
execution of the school's philosophies of leadership
development. Isaac loves it and I came away confident
he is in the perfect place for personal and academic
growth. Did I forget to mention that the kayaking and
scenery are phenomenal, too?
I missed the first two days of the parents trip with
much regret. The group paddled the upper Rio Fuy, a
classic Chilean waterfall run. Isaac was beaming
because he had finally run the 30 footer after
choosing to walk it on previous days. I was proud he
had run it, but I was equally proud that he had the
composure on previous days to decide himself to walk
or not. What a supportive student/athlete group to
help build Isaac's river running skills.
Parents paddled with the students and teacher/coaches
on the Rio San Pedro before traveling to the Pucon
area where we paddled three more days and climbed
Volvan Villarica. At one of the local playholes I
threw the biggest loop of my life in an Allstar
borrowed from Hawaiin student, Tyson. An expression of
amazement and "what do I do now?" look on my face
quickly revealed to the students that looping is not
an everyday occurrence for me. An immediate window
shade and flush left no shadow of doubt regarding my
freestyle abilities (or lack there of). Isaac, on the
other hand, has made leaps and bounds of progress with
his playboating skills. My hopes of being the first
Holden to McNasty are completely extinguished.
The Rio Palguin was my favorite day on the river.
David Hughes lead us down a waterfall classic with a
one of a kind put in: 12 foot seal launch off a land
bridge that creates a tunnel for the entire river just
below a 70 foot cascade. Five waterfalls, including a
20 footer, left the group extremely exhilarated.
The parent trip was more than adventure kayaking. We
were allowed to observe several classes and asked to
evaluate the teachers and their interaction with the
students. All the parents had mountains of praise for
the entire staff. Their commitment and qualifications
reflect the highest standards. We came away realizing
that kayaking and traveling are mere enhancements to
New River Academy's principles and foundations of
academics and leadership.
Many thanks to David Hughes and the New River staff
for a great week in Chile. I'd also like to thank the
other parents for their participation. Paul came from
Sacramento, Beth from Columbia, SC, and Steve and Beth
from New Jersey to share a few days of school with
their kids Sean, Matt, and David. I can't wait for the
next invitation for a New River Academy parent trip.
all my best,
Horace Holden