By Tamaki Nakane’27
The Lake Placid Trip, which took place from January 26th to 28th, 2025, was a memorable and exciting experience for the freshmen at The Frederick Gunn School. This annual tradition allowed the freshmen to bond with their peers and prefects while enjoying outdoor adventures in the beautiful winter setting of Lake Placid. The trip allowed the students to step away from their regular school routines, building new connections and creating lasting memories through a variety of fun and engaging activities.
Over the course of the three-day trip, students participated in skiing and snowboarding at Whiteface Mountain, played broomball at the Olympic Rink, ice skated at the Oval, and swam at the hotel pool. The trip began with the group arriving in Lake Placid and enjoying a family-style dinner at a local pizza restaurant, followed by free-time activities like swimming or ice skating, which allowed students to relax and connect with their peers. The second day featured a morning of skiing and snowboarding, followed by a visit to the Olympic Museum and an exciting game of broomball. On the final day, students had some free time to grab breakfast and reflect on the friendships they had formed before heading back to school, carrying with them lasting memories of laughter.
The trip is an essential part of the Freshman Experience at The Frederick Gunn School, providing a unique opportunity for students to bond outside the classroom. While other grades participate in Mountain Day at Mohawk Mountain, the freshman class travels to Lake Placid for their own exclusive adventure. This three-day getaway is the only trip of its kind for the freshmen, making it a special occasion that students will remember throughout their time at the school. The experience helps to foster a sense of community among freshmen, encouraging new friendships and deepening existing ones.
“We had so much fun together. It was a great chance to get to know everyone better and create memories that will stick with me for a long time,” said Jessica Heo ‘28, one of the freshmen who immensely enjoyed the trip. She reflected on her experience as “more than just a trip” and “a bonding experience I won’t forget.” This trip not only provided students with winter outdoor adventures but also created an opportunity for freshmen to connect with their classmates, forming bonds that will last well beyond their time at The Frederick Gunn School.
