The Eagle Rock Family Wishes Everyone a Happy Thanksgiving

Because we’re a residential high school with students who come here to Estes Park, Colo., from all corners of the country, it’s not possible for all of them to return home for the short Thanksgiving holiday.

Sounds sad, doesn’t it? Kind of like when the Ghost of Christmas Past showed Ebenezer Scrooge all alone with his books at his old boarding school while his schoolmates returned to their homes for the holidays.

Good book, but bad PR for boarding schools.

Which brings us back to our original point: Fact of the matter is, there’s probably a few students heading home for the holidays who wish they were staying on campus. That’s because we’ve got two days chock full of activities for our Eagle Rock family that will have our students up to their ears in activities —— all highlighted by a traditional Thanksgiving dinner.

Check out this schedule for Thanksgiving Day here at Eagle Rock:

• 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. — Turkey Trot 5K Run! at YMCA Estes Park
• 10:30 a.m. — Bears versus Lions NFL football game on the big screen
• 11 a.m. — Music, movies and coloring books in the music building
• 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. — Cooking shows at Beth and Janet’s house
• 11:30 a.m. — Flag football on the Field of Dreams  
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Make and take art
• 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Board games & hot cocoa in the Lodge
• 12 to 1 p.m. — Gingerbread PERSON decorating with Ed
• 12 to 1 p.m. — Open mic in the Lodge
• 12 to 1:30 p.m. — Climbing wall open at the Human Performance Center
• 12 to 1:30 p.m. — Basketball and other games at the Human Performance Center
• 1:30 p.m. — Crossfit at the Human Performance Center
• 2:30 p.m. — Spiritual gathering for interested students and staff

All of these festivities will culminate at 3 p.m. when we’ll give thanks for all the blessings of the year and dine in the lodge with a traditional turkey dinner. The lodge will be decorated with tablecloths, candles and a festive atmosphere.

Friday is also planned to be a unique day. There will be study halls in the morning, and in the afternoon, we’ll be participating in all manner of fun activities, organized by Jac Fournet, our residential life coordinator. Among the offerings are Metrolux movies, roller-skating, a tour of the Stanley Hotel, Fort Fun for laser tag and games, or bowling in Estes Park.

During these two busy days, we’ll be sure to take a healthy slice of time for gratitude, sending our deep appreciation to all our families, sponsors and alumni, along with our Professional Development Center partners, the American Honda Motor Company and all our other various Eagle Rock supporters.

While we relax on our isolated 640 acres of majestic beauty, we realize that we are part of a much bigger community around the country and our sense of purpose is intricately connected to all of you. For that, we are deeply thankful.

We’re looking forward to recharging ourselves, giving thanks, and having some fun. We hope the same is true for you!