This year’s Frost Valley trip was nothing short of extraordinary. A hallmark of A. Fantis School, this annual journey to the scenic Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, New York, brought our middle schoolers together for an unforgettable three days filled with adventure, learning, and bonding. The experience was a beautiful reminder of the values we hold dear: Philotimo, Parea, and Pistis, which translate loosely to honor, community, and faith.
Below, we’ve captured reflections from Ms. Kathy, Primary School Dean and A. Fantis anchor, and Lillian, Student Council Secretary, offering a glimpse into the magic of Frost Valley 2024.
By Lillian, 8th Grade
Hello A. Fantis School! As you may know, recently, A. Fantis’ middle schoolers went to Frost Valley YMCA in Claryville, New York. While bonding with their peers, the middle schoolers learned valuable lessons in science and outdoor classes. They also learned relationship lessons such as team building and how to build strong bonds. Overall, the Frost Valley camping trip was a great experience for students and a fun event to kick off the year.
Students participated in many activities that worked their brains, body, and mind. These educational yet fun events really left students feeling refreshed when they came back to school. Some of the students’ favorite activities included the Flying Squirrel, hiking, and the astronomy class.
Because it was a three-day, two-night trip, students became more independent as they experienced being away from home. For some students, this might have been the first time away without their parents. Students were given responsibilities and gained a sense of independence simultaneously. While still under adult supervision, students did things without constant reminders, which will help them be more responsible in their everyday lives.
Safety was a big priority at Frost Valley. During the trip, students were carefully monitored while still being encouraged to step a little bit outside their comfort zones. Some students felt nervous before certain activities, like flying in the air or climbing. While some opted out, others showed bravery and experienced personal growth.
By Kathy Noufrios, 5th Grade Teacher & Primary School Dean
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is a success.”
There are no words, yet there are so many. Blessed, proud, teamwork, friendships, laughter, and everlasting memories are just some of the ways to describe these past three days. Phrases like, “You’ve got this!” and “I can help you!” were just some of the affirmations you heard among the kids. They continuously embodied our school’s core values of Philotimo, Parea, and Pistis.
At Fantis, we always say our kids are amazing. After all, we are a Blue Ribbon School. But it goes deeper than that. It’s not just about academics—it’s truly about the whole child. Seeing that day in and day out at school is one thing, but to live it in the depths of the woods in Upstate New York is entirely different.
This year marks my 20th year at A. Fantis, and I’ve had the privilege of teaching most of your children at some point during their time here. (Some more than once!) I have distinct memories with each of them, yet this trip tops them all. For those who joined our community later, I am truly happy to have shared this experience and to have gotten to know your incredible children.
Parents, I want to commend you for raising such respectful, humorous, and caring kids. They have such incredible personalities and, together, make an exceptional family. If only you could have seen them! Whether it was working together to set up, serve, and clean up meals; consoling the homesick; lending a helping hand during our long and adventurous hikes (especially in the woods late at night—thank you, George, my hiking partner!); or staying up until midnight laughing and sharing stories—the list of their incredible moments goes on and on.
To all the parents and students, thank you for making my second trip to Frost Valley one I will never forget. When I left and all was said and done, the silence that replaced the children’s voices reminded me just how much I missed them already and how lucky I truly am to be their “school mom.”
On a separate note, I want to confirm something you all already know. Not because I am one of them, but our teachers rock! Our amazing middle school team—Jon Acampora, Will Mound, Pat Davis, and John Papadimitriou plus assistant Tyler McCown—adore your children and worked tirelessly to ensure their safety, happiness, and well-being throughout the trip, ignoring the sleep deprivation and muscle aches (definitely speaking for myself there). As Mr. Mound so perfectly said, “It’s in these three days where we leave as colleagues and return as friends.”
Frost Valley 2024… That’s a wrap—until next year.
This year’s Frost Valley trip was a testament to everything we value at A. Fantis School: fostering independence, building character, and creating lasting memories. It’s not just a trip—it’s an experience that brings our community closer together. We can’t wait to see what next year brings!
About A. Fantis School
A. Fantis School, a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, is a premier PreK-8th grade school in Brooklyn. Rooted in Hellenic ideals and the values of Philotimo, Parea, and Pistis, our mission is to nurture well-rounded students who excel academically, embody strong character, and contribute meaningfully to their communities. Through innovative programs, a rigorous curriculum, and a commitment to the whole child, A. Fantis prepares students for success in premier high schools and beyond.
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