Last week, our 5th, 6th, and 7th graders embarked on unforgettable journeys that brought learning to life and built lasting memories. Our 7th grade students traveled to Ashland, Oregon, where they immersed themselves in the world of theater, nature, and adventure. They experienced two powerful productions at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival: The Importance of Being Earnest and Julius Caesar. Outside the theater, they explored the beauty of the Shasta Caverns and took on the exhilarating challenge of river rafting.
7th grader Isolina reflected on the rafting experience: “We went over two class 4 rapids, which was wild! The guide said ‘there might be a chance you’ll go on a group swim today…That means your boat has flipped over.’ The experience was super fun and brought us a lot closer together.”
Meanwhile, our 5th and 6th graders set off on their own wild adventure at Pinnacles National Park. Hiking up mountains and through caves, they learned firsthand about nature, ecosystems and perseverance. The many raccoons they encountered added surprise and humor to the trip, reminding students that nature is often unpredictable.
5th grader Calev said, “I learned how to rock climb and belay, and I expanded my athletic abilities. I gained knowledge about how to camp, including pitching and breaking down a tent. I learned a lot about animals, too. I learned that raccoons can unzip tents, have a great sense of smell, and are very smart. Overall, I learned a lot of new survival skills and learned more about myself and the environment.”
These journeys are about more than sightseeing; they are about growth. Students return from these experiences more confident, more curious, and more connected to the world around them.
