It may be called Summer Bridge, but dozens of new and returning students to WNY P-TECH in Dunkirk found plenty of other ways to get from one point to another during a recent trip to Peek’n Peak.
A handful flew down a giant zip line that quickly brought them from the top of the scenic resort to its base. Others worked through the Aerial Adventure Course, navigating cargo nets, ladders, zip lines, and other treetop adventures.
As part of the weeklong Summer Bridge, which included a variety of team-building and STEM-related activities, 38 students were treated to a trip to Peek’n Peak in rural Clymer.
WNY P-Tech Principal Jeffrey Teluk said Summer Bridge is an excellent way for newcomers to experience the program through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES in a relaxed atmosphere while meeting enrolled students. He noted the “big transition” eighth-graders experience when they enter high school, and he hopes a series of fun, get-to-know-you activities can help with the transition.
“This helps to get the students to know each other better and to learn a little more about the building to become more familiar,” Teluk said. “We want to make the move easier for the student.”
At Peek’n Peak, students spent several rain-soaked hours on the Aerial Adventure Course and had the chance to ride the ski lift and play putt-putt golf. When storms forced everyone inside, participants played board games and corn hole.
“Everybody loves coming here,” Teluk said of the annual Clymer trip. “The teachers have been doing it since Day 1. It’s really a lot of commitment on their part. The staff here at Peek’n Peak have been great as well.”
This year, Summer Bridge also included some blacksmithing, model rocket making, and a video scavenger hunt. Later in the week, students were given a tour of SUNY Jamestown Community College.
Teluk said current students also helped produce a video documentary of incoming freshmen. The new students were asked various questions, and the video will eventually be shared when they reach graduation years from now.
“The kids are always amazed at how young they looked after four to six years,” Teluk said.
WNY P-TECH is an all-day program housed in a state-of-the-art facility located at 55 E. Benton St., Dunkirk. Students enroll in P-TECH as ninth graders and follow one of three fields of study in Welding, Mechanical Technology with specializations in CADD or Machine Tool, or Mechatronics. Upon complete of the program, students earn an associate degree through SUNY Jamestown Community College with no out-of-pocket expense.
