For the July birthday benefit, our two birthday girls went to Golden Corral, then the splash pad in St. George (they loved it!) and then we went to a 3D movie. Happy Birthday!
Friday, July 31, 2009
Kanarraville Hike
On Tuesday, July 28, Tayleigh and Mr. Force took us on a hike. As we were hiking, we admired all the wild life and beautiful surroundings. Mr. Force taught us everything from what plants to eat when you’re sick to why we shouldn’t drink the water straight from the stream. We also were taught life lessons during the hike. As we walked further along, there were moments when we stopped and took a look back at all we had done. Often times in life we don’t look at our past, but only to our future. Each day we should reflect on what we’ve accomplished to help put our current struggles into perspective. On the hike, there were times of fear, like trying to cross the stream without falling in. Fears like these keep people from doing what they love and even being themselves. Fears are not something to be afraid of; they are obstacles to help us grow strong and brave. If we can overcome our biggest fears, we can accomplish our goals in life. As we hiked along further, we started to get closer to the waterfall. When we were almost there, Mr. Force had us walk to the waterfall one by one. Our lives can be so busy and at times we can’t find time for ourselves. Each day we should look back on all that we’ve accomplished as well as simply look at our inner-selves. Each day we should focus on the positive and try to fix the negative. We shouldn’t dwell on all that we have failed, but recognize ourselves for having the courage to try. Finally, we arrived at the waterfall, the best part of the hike! We admired the clear water and everyone took turns getting drenched by the waterfall! Just because we hit the waterfall, that didn’t mean the hike was over. We still had the trip back to enjoy. A life lesson I learned was that we come to Diamond Ranch Academy for living the wrong lifestyle, but work hard to get ourselves back on our feet and start doing the right things. We celebrate the leaving of Diamond Ranch Academy with a graduation. Often we’ll think that all the hard work is done once it’s time to go home. However, we need to take all that we’ve learned and remember it for when we are home. In other words, the waterfall or graduation isn’t where the journey ends, but where another one begins.
By MW
This Week at Whisper Creek
Congratulations on your Advancement!!!
Students of the Week
Quarter Credits
Pay Raises
Students of the Week Quarter CreditsPay Raises Diamond Ranch Academy Summertime Celebration
The day began at 5 AM, but not even this early hour could quell the excitement sweeping our dorms. After completing morning hygiene rituals at a record-breaking speed, the entire DRA student population was divided and packed onto several buses in order to embark on the journey of a lifetime -- or more specifically, a summertime. By 7 o’clock, the entire ranch (therapists, teachers, and administrators included) had convened at the entrance of Stadium 10 in Washington City where sack breakfasts were distributed on the sidewalk. Much to the delight of the students, bananas (a notoriously popular snack on the ranch) and assorted muffins (a delicacy) were among that morning’s delectable offerings. But the best was yet to come.
At 8 AM, the stadium’s doors opened. The lobby was flooded as our masses pushed their way through the entrance and each individual was greeted by their own portion of gummy bears, popcorn, and a small soft drink. We settled in the theatre and proceeded to be astounded, continually for the next two hours, by the exhilarating special effects and mind-bending plot twists of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
We were still starry-eyed as we filtered out of the theater and onto our respective ranch-bound buses. The ride back was filled with lively chatter among students praising the film and a silent air of anticipation for the day’s next big event: Lunch.
Scorched hot dogs, sizzling patties, and a myriad of chef specials courtesy of Derek comprised our noon meal. Any attempt at describing the sheer joy that overtook the student body throughout their midday gorge would be an exercise in futility, so I will say no more on the subject.
The remainder of our day revolved around various aqueous festivities, including such novelties as pond-diving, a slip’n’slide, and -- perhaps most notably -- our very own dunk tank. As participants sufficiently drenched themselves, they could be seen splayed out across the grass, talking and laughing among themselves in small groups. The day bore a general atmosphere of easy enjoyment and bonding between students, teachers, and staff, and I think I speak for us all when I say we concluded our ultimate summertime experience satiated, soaked, and smiling.
By EB
At 8 AM, the stadium’s doors opened. The lobby was flooded as our masses pushed their way through the entrance and each individual was greeted by their own portion of gummy bears, popcorn, and a small soft drink. We settled in the theatre and proceeded to be astounded, continually for the next two hours, by the exhilarating special effects and mind-bending plot twists of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince.
We were still starry-eyed as we filtered out of the theater and onto our respective ranch-bound buses. The ride back was filled with lively chatter among students praising the film and a silent air of anticipation for the day’s next big event: Lunch.
Scorched hot dogs, sizzling patties, and a myriad of chef specials courtesy of Derek comprised our noon meal. Any attempt at describing the sheer joy that overtook the student body throughout their midday gorge would be an exercise in futility, so I will say no more on the subject.
The remainder of our day revolved around various aqueous festivities, including such novelties as pond-diving, a slip’n’slide, and -- perhaps most notably -- our very own dunk tank. As participants sufficiently drenched themselves, they could be seen splayed out across the grass, talking and laughing among themselves in small groups. The day bore a general atmosphere of easy enjoyment and bonding between students, teachers, and staff, and I think I speak for us all when I say we concluded our ultimate summertime experience satiated, soaked, and smiling.
By EB
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 17, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Kanarraville Slot Canyon Hike
The hike started out with a long, dry, uphill path. A lot of us were breaking a sweat and ready to quit already. But as most cases in life, we’re all glad that we didn’t give up. Mr. Force initiated a water fight as we crossed our first stream. At this point, we were immersed in the trees and really starting to see the beauty. We came by a lot of plants that have the natural power to cure sicknesses such as cancer and pneumonia. It is kind of ironic how cures and solutions are all around us but not often utilized. After venturing through several trails and rivulets, we found ourselves in the bottom of the canyon. Most of us were busy looking down trying not to trip on the rocks. Until Mr. Force reminded us, we didn’t realize that the most scenic view was above us. The contrast of the blue sky and the jagged rocks was a wonderful sight. Sometimes we become so consumed with our worldly problems that we don’t bother looking up to our higher power.
Following about two hours of hiking, we finally reached our destination- The Waterfall! That was definitely a lot of fun and felt good because it was hot out.
The Hike gave us all something to think about and introduced many of the girls to the awesomeness of the great outdoors.
By A.R.
Friday, July 3, 2009
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