Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) seniors enjoyed a jam packed, three-day senior trip, a great way to cap off their four years at MTA. The first stop was Coastal Sports, where, as the name implies, the boys enjoyed playing a variety of sports in the indoor arena. The next stop was Dorney Park, followed by mincha, dinner, and learning seder in the local shul in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The students stayed overnight at Split Rock Resort in private villas that were fully equipped with steam rooms and hot tubs! To end the night, the boys had a midnight BBQ and a kumzitz with Rabbi Tanchum Cohen.

The next day, the group woke up to a frigid 50 degrees and raining—not the perfect weather for that day’s activity: whitewater rafting. Although initially it was cold, everyone enjoyed the day, and the wet suits provided by MTA helped keep everyone comfortable. When they returned to the hotel, they had a few hours to enjoy the amenities, followed my mincha and dinner. After swimming in the hotel pool that was made exclusively available to MTA, there was a late night cholent and kugel. The seniors then gathered together for a special and powerful farewell ceremony. After four incredible years, it was their last night together as a grade. In the dark, a candle was passed around for each boy to talk about a favorite memory or thought. Incredibly, they stayed up past 2 a.m. laughing, crying and feeling the powerful impact of the moment.

On Wednesday, the last day of the trip, the seniors had the option to play paintball at Skirmish USA, one of the largest paintball facilities in the country, or go biking on a renowned mountain trail. Both parties had a blast. It was an amazing trip and incredibly meaningful way for the seniors to end their MTA careers.

By Ari Englander