Once in a Lifetime Field Trip: Yosemite National Park

Funded Oct 26, 2018

This trip was truly an unforgettable experience for our 8th grade students. It was a wonderful way to launch them into high school following our 8th grade promotion. Every student who went had something great to say about their experience and were so grateful for our donors. Our students would not have been able to go without their support.

After arrival, we took our students on a short hike to the nearby river where they immediately were in awe of the beauty surrounding them. Following dinner, we were greeted by our Nature Bridge Guide who took us on a night hike followed by some games to get them acquainted with the area surrounding them. The next day was our big day of adventure. We split into two groups; each led by an experienced Nature Bridge Guide. Both groups had some similar, and also some different experiences. After walking through the meadow and learning about the geology that formed Yosemite Valley, students made it to the base of lower Yosemite Falls, where they were excited to get soaking wet just by standing on the bridge.

The highlight of their trip for many of the students came next. They got to go into the Spider Cave. We were told that there would be tight spaces and no light. Students were eager to enter. Upon descending into the darkness of the cave, some students began to get nervous, but were then calmed down by their classmates. They helped guide each other through by feeling their way around and talking to each other about how they maneuvered the tight spaces. They were so proud to have made it all the way through to the end after crawling in so many different ways. During this part of the trip, students reflected on how they felt before, during, and after. Many of them said that they felt excited to go in, nervous during the excursion, and then proud to have made it through. It was a wonderful experience to see them work together.

Following the Spider Cave, we continued our journey through the valley and even got some swimming in. Students then took part in a spaced out walk. Students walked about half a mile with time to reflect. After one person would start walking, the next student would wait one minute before they could start. This continued until each student made it to the same location. On the ground every so often were cards that either had a question or a statement to help students reflect. The first one had students stop and close their eyes for ten seconds and just listen. Another one asked students to think about how they might feel if this area was taken over by a mall and parking lot. Other cards had students look at a particular plant. This was a neat experience for the students to be alone and have time to themselves outside of a world where they are usually so infatuated by their cell phones and computers. The day ended with a campfire and students got to come up with a skit re-enacting their favorite part of the day.

The last day was short, but meaningful. One group learned more about the big part glaciers had in forming the area around them and about the trees and types of rocks in the valley. They also had time to paint using watercolor. The other group did some scrambling near the base of Washington Column. Some students were nervous about this, but were able to use their communication skills from the day before to help each other overcome their fears.

Students seem inspired to come back to Yosemite Valley with their families and to show them the magnificence of the area. They learned about their role in keeping the park available for future generations, as well as the importance of leaving no trace with food crumbs and trash. They formed a bond with each other and with nature that will last a lifetime.”

With gratitude,

Ms. Baltin