Middle schoolers had quite the adventures the past couple of weeks. We wanted to share some of our journey highlights with our Yavneh community. Our 5th, 6th, and 7th graders journeyed to Jones Gulch YMCA camp last week for an adventure in the Santa Cruz Mountains. They were treated to many outdoor activities including hiking, archery, a low ropes course, and canoeing/kayaking. While they were there the naturalists taught them about the Redwood forest and its ecosystem, and included many team building exercises for the students to bond with each other and the staff. At night the learning and fun continued with an astronomy activity, campfire, s’mores, and skits.
Students had an amazing time, while sometimes stepping outside their comfort zone, and learning a lot too. Some of their reflections included; “The activities were fun, especially the one where we learned about camouflage.”
“It was very fun playing games about animal sounds.”
“I loved the informational posters about seals and sea otters.”
“The low ropes course helped teach us teamwork and balance.”
“We learned so much about banana slugs!”
The 8th-grade journey to the other side of the country was filled with growth, resilience, discovery, and empowerment. Kitah Chet’s journey was nothing short of successful. Students bonded with their classmates, solidified friendships, and developed a newfound appreciation for the fast-paced culture of the bustling cities of New York and Washington, D.C.
As a group, we learned about the journeys of some of our ancestors and the ultimate sacrifices many people made to build a new life after passing through historic Ellis Island. Students basked in the glory of the Statue of Liberty and the symbol of freedom it represented for so many. We also had the honor of visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. This was a sobering experience that provided deeper insight into the horrific events of that fateful day. At the same time, students gained a sense of unity through the resilience and togetherness demonstrated by the people who visited the Ground Zero site to pay their respects.
Later in the week, we ventured into Central Synagogue to participate in the Shabbat service, which included beautiful music, meaningful messages, and a Shabbat feast. Among the highlights of New York City was the abundance of kosher eateries, which offered delicious food and opportunities to feel connected to and empowered by the local Jewish community.
To round out the trip, we even enjoyed a private pasta-making session at Eataly. One student recalled this memorable experience in her reflections, stating, “One of my favorite parts of our trip to DC and New York is when we went to Eataly and learned how to make pasta and ate margarita pizza. The pizza went so fast we had to order 2 more!”
We were also fortunate enough to get our hands on Broadway tickets for the ever-popular Stranger Things production. It was nothing short of amazing, featuring realistic visual effects and a captivating storyline. This outing was highly anticipated by our students, with one student sharing, “I think that my favorite part of the trip was the Broadway show. It was so amazing, and it was really fun to be jumpscared as a whole class.”
The lively nights, matcha and coffee runs, and bagels galore made NYC a city we’ll never forget. Our tour guide, Miles, also left his mark, with one student highlighting him in their reflections about the fun they had. This particular student shared, “Mr. Kilometers was nice and gave us plastic dinosaurs when we answered his questions. He also had a purple light saber that he used to show us where he was.”
Our next adventure took us by train to historic Washington, D.C., where we soaked up all the city had to offer. From the “pencil in the sky” (the Washington Monument) to the vast museums showcasing the rich history of our nation and the world at large, there was so much to explore.
We took an emotional and impactful journey through the Holocaust Museum, paying tribute to the victims of this horrific period in history. Students also explored American history and learned about the incredible advancements showcased at the Air and Space Museum.
Our visit to Capitol Hill was intriguing and captivating. The beauty of the murals highlighting American history and the statues commissioned by politicians made for a fascinating experience. The visit was also thought-provoking, as students are now considering presenting arguments for future statues on Capitol Hill that would more meaningfully represent California.
We also had the opportunity to experience Washington, D.C.’s monuments both by day and by night aboard antique car replicas, which quickly became a favorite for many students. During this portion of the trip, students ventured out, explored monuments, shopped in Georgetown, and strengthened their teamwork through a fun escape room experience.
The challenges of walking more than 18,000 steps per day and navigating unfamiliar cities were grueling yet rewarding. Overall, Kitah Chet returned stronger, more connected, and with a renewed appreciation for one another. They proved that they truly have each other’s backs!
Cheers to a successful 8th-grade journey, students!
