Leaser Lake trip bonds the class of 2023

     Leaser Lake is a local retreat where many escape to relax and spend time in nature. Its landscape features a vast lake and surrounding trail, all of which offers its guests wonderful places to swim, kayak, paddleboard, hike and simply enjoy the outdoors. The class of 2023 was fortunate enough to visit this scenic place for an opportunity to get outside and make memories together. Besides water sports, students were also able to take a yoga class, learn the benefits of healthy snacking, hike, get some camping tips, shoot archery and bike. 

     The trip was organized by Mrs. Kelly as an alternative to a regular school assignment and proved to be an informative and fun opportunity to get in some exercise outside of school grounds. This annual excursion was inspired by Mr. Spohn’s (retired) idea to get Hamburg students exposed to the landscape around us, so in the spring of 2017, Mrs. Kelly came up with the Leaser Lake trip. “He wanted us to figure out a way to get kids in PE class to be able to kayak, hike, bike, etc,” says Mrs. Kelly. She soon realized that a 42 minute class period would not be enough time for students to truly get connected outdoors. “That’s when I came up with the idea of running a field trip to the lake for the senior class.” 

     This year’s trip proved to be another successful outing. “The day was great! The students and staff enjoyed it.  The seniors were able to hang out with their friends and try new activities that hopefully they love and will continue to do in the future, once they graduate,” says Mrs. Kelly. She also notes that the weather conditions were perfect for a lake day, with sunny skies and a light breeze to make each activity enjoyable. 

     Senior Angelina Carsto agrees that the trip was a great way to get outside and learn something new. “I thought it was relaxing and I enjoyed doing the water activities,” says Carsto. Angelina participated in the hike, kayaking, and healthy snack panel. “I learned that healthy snacks don’t have to be complex, and that they don’t need to have complicated ingredients.”

     Arianna Barata, 12, loved the opportunity to spend time out on the water. When asked about her favorite activity, she quickly responded with paddleboarding “because it was the most fun, yet relaxing part of the trip.” Besides paddleboarding, Barata participated in kayaking and camping. This year’s camping and archery stations were hosted by Cabela’s, so each student who attended received professional advice from a certified instructor. 

     Overall, the class of 2023 had a wonderful experience at Leaser Lake and each student made fond memories to remember their senior year by.