When Hurricane Helene made landfall in the southeastern U.S., it stranded a teacher and 31 students from Girard College at a camp in Asheville, North Carolina. The group was participating in an Outward Bound program at the time, and due to the massive flooding caused by the storm, they are currently unable to return to Philadelphia.
Girard College President David Hardy assured that all students and adults are safe and being cared for while Outward Bound works with local and state officials to clear the roads for safe travel back to Philadelphia.
Despite the challenging situation, Elena Perri, the school’s director of marketing and brand communications, mentioned that the students have cell service at the camp and have been in touch with their families via Zoom. They also have adequate food and water.
The group had left Philadelphia on Sept. 23 by bus, heading to an outdoor course in the Blue Ridge Mountains for activities like backpacking and rock climbing to build stronger bonds with their classmates.
Due to the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, it is uncertain when the students will be able to return home. The storm caused power outages, major road closures in Asheville, and significant flooding, leading to a boil advisory for tap water and the cancellation of classes at local schools.
Pennsylvania Task Force 1 sent a disaster relief unit to assist with the hurricane’s aftermath in North Carolina. This marks the second year that Girard College’s ninth graders have participated in the Outward Bound program.
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