Thank you for sharing this story. In a way, likely the way you tell it, it feels like a great time. One filled with action. The six in a room... the imposdibility to catch some decent sleep... I've been there.
I love those happy photos you posted and hope somehow you are still in touch or will find a way to meet again.
That time is part of how you all are today.

P.s. I'm surprised how they dealt with the stolen fee. Might be a bad experience but it is good they took it seriously. That wasn't the case at my school. They rather blamed you for not being careful enough.