As Archer’s Arrow Week approaches, seniors are split: Some welcome the chance to step away from school, while others feel the trip interrupts an already stressful season of college applications and coursework.
Arrow Week, a week-long backpacking trip hosted by Outward Bound, will take place Sept. 8-12. The program is designed for students to learn wilderness skills, foster team bonding and develop leadership. Traditionally, Arrow Week was required for 7th graders, freshmen, and juniors. Now, the program is required for eighth graders, sophomores, and seniors. The Class of 2026 will camp at Clover Meadows in the Sierra National Forest, after Outward Bound relocated the site out of caution due to the nearby Garnet Fire near the High Sierras, the original location.
Senior Hannah Harrison has not attended Arrow Week in past years and will not go this year due to personal reasons. Typically, Arrow Week is required for all students, unless granted a medical exemption. Students who do not attend Arrow Week do not attend regular classes; instead, they are required to complete a service project involving 15 hours of community service along with several reflection essays. Nevertheless, the vast majority of students participate in Arrow Week rather than completing the alternative assignment. Harrison said the trip’s timing poses challenges.
“Especially at this time, I would love to be able to see my teachers and also get feedback from college counselors during this very pivotal moment in time,” Harrison said. “But Arrow Week is a bit in the way.”
Many college arts programs have deadlines at varying times, some much sooner than traditional applications. The absence of internet access during Arrow Week leaves less time to prepare applications and audition materials for various theater programs, senior Stella Leland said.
“There’s a little less time to prepare because we only have this week, and then we’re gone with no internet,” Leland said. “[It] is kind of nice though because it puts more pressure to get it done efficiently instead of procrastinating.”
Other seniors welcome the trip as an opportunity to reset. Senior Yasmine Haddad said she sees Arrow Week as a chance to connect with her peers and step back from college applications.
“It’s a nice break from the stress of school, especially considering how stressful this semester is,” Haddad said. “It’ll be a nice break for all of us to really connect and just take a breath while we step away from this college work.”
Harrison said that the timing of Arrow Week creates added pressure, however, since it cuts into the days they might otherwise spend preparing for upcoming assessments.
“I have a quiz or a test two days after Arrow Week comes back,” Harrison said. “The 11th graders in my class are going to have that whole week to prepare.”
Arrow Week, Haddad said, will be an important time for grade wide bonding and a chance for seniors to reflect on their final year together.
“I love Arrow Week,” Haddad said. “I love the outdoors, and I think it’ll be a great time to connect with my peers and just really soak in these last moments of senior year.”
