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FXD Hits the Rapids
This July, 39 FXD students traveled to Maine to tackle the Kennebec River.
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What do Xaverian teachers do in their spare time? For Xaverian science teacher, Mr. Jim McPhillips, it’s careening down a river, expertly guiding a group through Class IV rapids. Mr. McPhillips, a licensed white water rafting guide, can sometimes be found leading students down the Kennebec River with Adventure Bound, an adventure resort in Caratunk, Maine. When he suggested the idea of a rafting trip, Mr. Lucien Brodeur and Mrs. Lauren Bjork, co-moderators of FXD (grades 7 and 8) student council, said, “yes!” They signed up to bring a group of 21 of their students to Maine in the summer of 2016. The trip was such a hit that this year the number of students who signed up to test their strength against the Kennebec River rapids nearly doubled.
This July, Mr. Brodeur and Mrs. Bjork, as well as fellow FXD teachers, Mr. Gunning, Mr. Foley, and Mr. Shippie, plus Mr. Brodeur’s wife, chaperoned 39 FXD students on an overnight trip to Caratunk. Upon arrival, the boys had the chance to swim, hop in the hot tub, play sports, and partake in a pizza and salad dinner. The next morning they were given detailed safety instructions, and took the bus to the put-in for a 13-mile ride down the Kennebec River.
According to Justice Ciampa ’21, who signed up to repeat the trip this year, “The first time was a great experience and I wanted to relive it. It’s all so much fun. The rapids are intense, especially Big Mama.”
The first part of the journey down river starts off with a powerful punch of Class IV rapids, including Big Mama, and tapers to Class III and smaller. The group took a lunch break halfway through, and then enjoyed the calmer second half of the journey during which they were able to jump out of the raft to float down the river. Exhilarated and tired, they loaded back into the bus after their adventure to head home to Massachusetts...and back to the world of wi-fi and cell phones.
"I think the boys really enjoyed the experience, even though most didn't have a cell signal while we were in Caratunk. It was a chance for them to try something new, test the waters of being away from home without their parents, and to bond with their classmates. I hope the program continues to grow...it's a great benefit for our FXD students to have this incredible opportunity."
Xaverian Brothers High School
Xaverian is a Catholic, college-preparatory school for boys in grades 7-12. As an inclusive community, we embrace diverse experiences and perspectives, welcoming students and families from all faiths and backgrounds. Through exceptional academics, athletics, the arts, faith formation, and service opportunities, we help young men discover their unique gifts and talents so they can share them with a world in need.
