WAU Students Participate in Senior Survival Trip at Shenandoah Valley Academy

TAKOMA PARK, Md. (Aug. 31, 2024) – Washington Adventist University (WAU) sophomore theology major Yordin Hernandez, along with fellow theology student Erick Soledispa, represented WAU during the annual Senior Survival trip at Shenandoah Valley Academy. The event, held on Saturday, Aug. 31, provided seniors from the academy with a day of outdoor adventure and spiritual enrichment.

The trip began with a briefing at an outlook camp, where the coordinator outlined the day’s activities, which included a hike, team-building games, and rock climbing. Hernandez and Soledispa introduced themselves as WAU representatives, aiming to leave a positive impression and encourage the seniors to consider WAU as they approach their final year.

The group embarked on a half-hour hike that ended with a challenging rock scramble. At the summit, the first activity, a scavenger hunt, was revealed. Laces containing parts of Bible verses were hidden along the trail, and students, divided into teams, searched for the laces. Once all the verses were found, the group recited and discussed them together.

Afterward, the group descended the rock wall and returned to the trail for lunch. Following the meal, the seniors participated in team-building exercises, including a trust fall, which evolved into a more complex version involving stairs and a dock. Students formed a human ladder below as others climbed the stairs and fell into their arms. A popular activity called “Devil’s Web” challenged students to navigate a web of string tied between trees without touching the strands, prompting teamwork and creative problem-solving.

At the conclusion of the activities, Hernandez and Soledispa spoke with several students who expressed interest in WAU. They shared stories of former Shenandoah students now attending WAU and provided information about the admissions process.

Hernandez noted that the trip was a rewarding experience, helping to strengthen connections among the students and with God. He expressed pride in representing WAU and looks forward to welcoming Shenandoah students to the university in the future.