The Manhasset Youth Council's S.H.O.P. Program (Summer at Home Opportunities Program) provided students with another summer filled with fun, education, and new experiences. Anthony T. Blyskal, S.H.O.P. director, reports that 225 students participated in eight different trips and that both students and parents raved about the diversity and enjoyment of the trips. Emily Faeth, who went on many of the excursions, had a typical comment; "It's great to go on trips with your friends."

The Delaware River Rafting trip is a S.H.O.P. tradition, and this year 40 participants enjoyed the marvelous weather and perfect water conditions. The water moved fairly quickly so that students were able to save their energy for the rapids, swimming, and raft battles. An air-conditioned coach, a good movie, a stop at McDonalds, and no traffic home made the two-hour bus ride enjoyable.

With the exception of the Montauk trip, all of the other outdoor activities were impacted by the wet, cool July weather. At Montauk, students stopped for a hearty breakfast of eggs or pancakes before heading for the ocean. Afternoon activities included horseback riding, canoeing, mini golf, and shopping. A meal at Gossman's Dock and ice cream at Ben & Jerry's completed this satisfying day. Splish/Splash was cool and wet, but the lines were nonexistent. The trips to Fire Island and Six Flags had to be rescheduled due to rain. Due to the planned late afternoon arrival at Six Flags, students were able to go on many rides without waiting. Patrick Golden related that he and a friend went on one roller coaster 13 times in an hour. The rescheduled day at Sailor's Haven started out with fog and mist but quickly cleared into a magnificent day. The water was refreshing, the waves were perfect for body surfing, and the sun-drenched sand was a welcome delight. Richard Jaronczyk related, "I had a lot of fun at the beach. I was worried at first because of the clouds, but it became a great day." Kristen Herzog had similar sentiments and added, "We ended up meeting a lot of nice friends."

The two trips to New York City didn't have weather to contend with and did provide the students with a mix of fun and culture. The first trip began with the very weird Jekyll & Hyde Club. The food was surprisingly good, and the students were allowed plenty of time to take in the foolery of the actors who serve as waiters. The NBC Experience is a tour that allowed students to visit the sets of Saturday Night Live, Rosie O'Donnell, and others. Bethany Sobol said, "It was one of the best trips so far." Sarah Ross proclaimed, "I wish we could have stayed longer. I wish that we could go again." Students had magnificent orchestra seats for the Broadway play Rent, and they experienced the high energy of the music and the audience. Students, however, were unable to get pictures with the performers outside the stage door because it was, as usual, raining too hard.

The overnight trip to Boston and Plymouth, MA featured Freedom's Trail, Quincy Market, and a land/sea duck tour in Boston as well as Plimouth Plantation, the Mayflower, Plymouth Rock, and a sports park in Plymouth. Amelia Breyre said, "I loved the Plimouth Plantation. It was unique."

S.H.O.P. trips are all about summer fun with old and new friends, and this year's program dodged the raindrops to more than fulfill its high expectations.