Bruriah’s grade bonding trips play a pivotal role in fostering the meaningful and lasting relationships that are a hallmark of the Bruriah experience. Last week, each grade embarked on the first of what will be many of such trips throughout the year.

Bruriah’s ninth grade students spent the morning rock climbing at High Exposure, where the adrenaline-filled, high energy environment encouraged them to leave their comfort zones and branch out to make some new friends. Freshman Orly Avraham said of the trip, “it really provided us with a fun opportunity to get to know our grade better.”

The 10th grade spent the morning at Urban Air, where the open environment provided them with the ability to bond with classmates that are not usually in their regular classes. Sophomore Shoshana Pinsker said, “it was really nice going out into a different space and getting to have fun with your students from other classes outside of the school building.”

The 11th grade made the daylong trek to Governors Island for a truly memorable trip. They rode the ferry to the island where they rented surreys, bikes and spent a beautiful day outdoors together. As junior Rosa Miodownik expressed, “there really is nothing better than being stuck spending time on an island with all of your friends.”

Finally, the 12th grade headed to Spring Lake Beach where they davened by the ocean, ate breakfast and played sports. Senior Shulamis Miller remarked how different the bonding trip felt as a senior: “This trip really provided us with flexibility to bond in different ways. There was a spiritual component where we davened together at the beach, but also to be able to just sit together with your friends on the sand felt very special.”

These trips were more than just a fun day out. They allow students to step outside of the academic environment and connect with their peers on a personal level. Bruriah students look back at these trips fondly as pivotal moments where they made lifelong friends.