Bridges Begins with a Bang

Well, what's better than spending your summer working and watching television? BRIDGES!

On Saturday the 14th, Furman was swarming with the new and returning Bridges to a Brighter Future members. At 8:00, our first arrivals, the Kappas and Lambdas, began checking-in and unloading the necessities for their four-week experience. Food, clothes, drinks, steroes, more food, and more clothes; the returning campers made sure they forgot nothing at home this summer.

Everyone was so excited about being with their Bridges family for another summer of FUN! After the Kappas and Lambdas dumped everything in their rooms, they loaded on the bus and headed off for Lutherock.

Next, the "check-in staff" awaited the arrival of the new members--the Mus. With a whole new wave of enthusiasm, everyone was shown up to their rooms and found out who they would be rooming with. The Mus boosted the energy level another notch and kept up with the excitement of the older members.

Although the new and returning students were seperated, both had somewhat similar days. Icebreakers and team-building workshops helped bring the classes together.

Looks like the prediction was right--this is going to be a GREAT summer!

Bridges '08 "Under Construction"

Well after months of anticipation, it is down to the final week before the start of Bridges to a Brighter Future 2008. Mrs. Swartz's office is crowded with the new and old materials for the start of the program. The teachers and counselors are preparing for their summer "adventure." And training has begun.

The counselor's began their training Monday at Pinnacle Falls. Once there, they hiked 7 miles to get to their campground, where they collected water and purified it, cooked their meal, and set up their tents. Not to mention all the Off! that was used to keep the bugs--well--OFF!

On Tuesday, the counselors repeated much of the same process for breakfast (minus the hike). Another 7 miles were conquered, but this time by canoe. Wow! what a workout.

So, with all of this activity, you could say that this is most likely (definitely) going to be an amazing summer. We can't wait for the Kappas, Lambdas, and Mus to arrive Saturday. Last one to check in is a rotten egg! :)

Bridges High School Graduates Achieving Great Things!

In addition to have 100% of the 2007 Bridges graduates going to college this fall, we also have several who have achieved some pretty incredible accomplishments!

Erik Smith, a graduate of Berea High School, was just recognized by Greenville County Schools (see press release) for twelve years of PERFECT ATTENDANCE! Erik is graduating in the top five of his class at Berea High School and will be attending Clemson University in the fall. Erik is a wonderful person and was an awesome Bridges student. We could always count on him to be a phenomenal leader and role model in the program. Erik attended Boys State his Junior year and was a committed member of the Berea High AFJROTC. He took numerous AP classes and was a member of the National Honors Society. Perfect attendance! Way to go Erik!

Hilary Rampey is graduating from Woodmont High School with an International Baccalaureate Diploma on June 5th as VALEDICTORIAN! Obviously, Hilary has had a stellar academic career at Woodmont. She was heavily involved with Marching Band, Symphonic Band, and Chorus. She was president of the Beta Club and National Honor Society as well as a Girls State nominee. Hilary is going to be a student at Furman University this fall and we are very excited to see what her college achievements are going to be!