Homecoming is a time of great excitement for Gordon College. Welcoming back alumni, reuniting with family, and inviting other campus visitors to share in special Gordon activities and traditions is a highlight for everyone, visitors and students alike.
“I like to think of Homecoming as coming home, in the best sense… it’s an opportunity to return to your roots, meet friends, learn new things, and be refreshed and energized so you can head back into the world and face whatever tasks you have at hand,” says Paul Edwards, lead planner for Gordon’s 2019 Homecoming. This year will be no different. With the advent Gordon’s 130th anniversary, the planning committee is getting ready for an event that won’t disappoint. “We’re very excited,” says Edwards.
What a lot of people may not know is that Gordon’s La Vida program works hard each year to make Homecoming memorable, specifically for Gordon’s mini-Scots! Kids at Homecoming are kept busy, signing up early in the morning for a chance to participate in signature La Vida activities. Sharing in these events with Gordon’s encouraging and invested La Vida staff is a great, fun-filled way for children to experience an aspect of Gordon’s outdoor education which has been memorable and impactful for so many.
Joel Cox La Vida’s Assistant Director of Expeditions relates, “La Vida is excited to…celebrate 50 years of the La Vida ministry through rock climbing, riding the giant swing, or being hoisted into the air with the ‘flying squirrel…’ The La Vida activities during homecoming have been a success for the past few years and we look forward to providing fun entertainment to students, alumni, kids, and parents!”
Unfortunately, there is only so much time in a day for hundreds of children to scale a wall or ride a power swing, and only so many available La Vida staff to assist with the jollification. Because of the popularity of these activities, the demand simply can not be met. This year’s solution comes in the form of Gordon’s rowing team. Both the men’s and women’s teams will be working hard throughout homecoming weekend to teach kids how to row, and giving them a tiny taste of what it’s like to be a Gordon rower.
Gordon’s rowing coach, Madeline Hopkins is excited for this special opportunity for the team to contribute to homecoming. She explains, “Gordon Rowing is partnering with Kindersculls Youth Rowing Camps to bring mini rowing camp to homecoming! We have kid-sized singles and oars, and coaches in kayaks to help facilitate it all.”
The team is also thrilled to join the rest of campus in homecoming celebration, and in helping to give our younger visitors a unique Gordon experience they’re sure to remember. Samantha Mckinney, captain of the women’s rowing team, says, “Gordon Rowing is very excited to share memorable experiences with everyone at homecoming weekend and thank our gracious donors for all they have done for our program.”
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