Some students flew down a giant zipline that quickly took them from the scenic resort’s highest point to its base. Others completed the Aerial Adventure Course, navigating cargo nets, ladders, zip lines and other treetop adventures. As part of the week-long Summer Bridge, which included a variety of team-building and STEM-related activities, 38 students were gifted a trip to Peek’n Peak in rural Clymer.

WNY P-Tech Director Jeffrey Teluk said Summer Bridge is an excellent opportunity for newcomers to learn about the program through Erie 2-Chautauqua-Cattaraugus BOCES in a relaxed atmosphere while also getting to know enrolled students. He noted the “big transition” Eighth graders are experiencing the transition to high school, and he hopes a series of fun get-to-know-you activities can ease that transition.

“This helps the students get to know each other better and also learn a little more about the building in order to become more familiar with it,” Said Teluk. “We want to make the move easier for students.”

At Peek’n Peak, students spent several rainy hours on the Aerial Adventure Course and had the opportunity to ride the ski lift and play mini golf. When storms forced everyone indoors, participants played board games and cornhole.

“Everyone likes to come here,” Teluk said about the annual Clymer trip. “The teachers have been doing this since day one. It really takes a lot of commitment on their part. The staff here at Peek’n Peak are great too.”

This year, Summer Bridge also included blacksmithing, model rocket building, 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 about the new freshmen. The new students were asked various questions and the video will eventually be released when they graduate in a few years. “The children are always amazed at how young they look after four to six years,” Said Teluk.

WNY P-TECH is a full-day program in a state-of-the-art facility at 55 E. Benton St., Dunkirk. Students enroll in P-TECH as ninth graders and take one of three majors in welding, mechanical engineering with specializations in CADD or machine tools or mechatronics. Upon completion of the program, students receive an associate degree from SUNY Jamestown Community College at no cost to themselves.