On April 18th, as the early-morning sun began to rise over the pine trees, a spirited group of students and faculty gathered along the Songo Pond shore in Bethel — dressed in swimsuits, board shorts & water shoes — to revive one of Gould's most beloved spring traditions: the Polar Bears Club.

 

Led by Gould's energetic and passionate Director of Experiential Learning, Chris Hayward, a group of 54 students and faculty laughed as they marched into the frigid 38°F lake water and dunked their heads, meeting the requirement of the experience, and then returned to campus in time to get dressed and head to all-school assembly.

 

The first of several polar plunges, Gould's "Coolest Club" will visit new lakes, rivers, and streams twice each week until the end of the year, with only those who complete the entire journey earning the coveted "Ice Cube" accolade at the end-of-year awards ceremony.

 

It’s cold. It’s early. And it’s one of the most unforgettable ways the Gould community comes together each spring, forming a special bond both our students, faculty — and their families — will cherish forever. Check out the video on Instagram