After an especially busy back-to-school time for students in grades 6-8 and their families, the middle school’s first annual barbecue afforded an opportunity for them to simply hang out.

Having fun and uniting as a group were the only things on the agenda at the Sept. 15 weekend barbecue, which came on the heels of a range of important events including the middle school orientation, preview event and parent volunteer information breakfast.

During the barbecue, which took place on the middle school campus, there were action-packed activities such as a student versus parent tug of war. Students also chose to play Nerf football, bocce ball, Ping-Pong or just hung out with friends. Meanwhile, there were plenty of hot dogs and burgers flipped on the grill and served buffet-style with tasty side dishes. Dessert was pot luck from families and included a plethora of tempting treats.

According to Jennifer Hargreaves, director of Harker’s middle and upper school volunteer programs, nearly 400 people attended the barbecue, marking a great turnout for this inauguarl event.

“This success was made possible by the grade-level coordinators involved in the planning, as well as the assistance of many parent volunteers who did the heavy lifting, grilling, serving, setting and cleanup,” she said.