ALLERTON PARK — The Class of 2011's Allerton Experience field trip took place April 17 and 18 under the direction of health education teacher Andi Phillips and numerous parent and faculty volunteers. The students spent two days of climbing, falling, running, yelling, doing geometry, and building boats out of cardboard at Allerton Park and the adjacent 4-H Memorial Camp.

"The trip went smoothly (with the exception of the earthquake …) and I enjoyed watching everyone work together and have so much fun," Phillips said in an e-mail.

This was the third straight year that Uni freshmen have gone to Allerton. The idea and initial plans for this trip were developed in 2005 by current junior Isaac Chambers, who wanted a way to help his class bond and to provide some alternate learning experience. Chambers had done a similar trip in middle school and thought it would be a fun thing for Uni to try.

"The Allerton trip is a great experience in many ways," said Chambers. "It allows students to learn in a new environment, bond with their fellow classmates, and get a break from the regular schedule."

All photos by Lauren Piester and Ian McInerney. Click any photo to create your own slideshow.

The students stayed overnight in cabins, surrounded by the beautiful view. Photo by Ian McInerney (click any photo to enlarge and create your own slideshow)

The freshmen start out with a team-building game. Photo by Ian McInerney

The team-building activities continue. Photo by Ian McInerney

Freshmen build towers out of marshmallows. Photo by Ian McInerney

Whose marshmallow tower is the tallest? Photo by Ian McInerney

Fun and games: Jenny Cooke and Ashley Huddson see how high they can jump while Elenita Zamora and Allen Miller twirl the rope. Photo by Ian McInerney

More fun: Mike Zhivov starts a game of soccer. Photo by Ian McInerney

Down to business: Math executive teacher Craig Russell explains how to not get stuck in the mud along the trail. Photo by Ian McInerney