Just a week ago I along with our 7th grade science teacher organized a 7th grade class trip to Yosemite National Park. It was a long process of convincing parents and students that this adventure was well worth the effort of organizing it and making it happen. Back in 1987 I put together my first 8th grade overnight class trip to Grand Canyon National Park. This was back in our MLS Phoenix days when very few of the kids in the class had actually visited GC. Since those early days, the trip has been experienced with students in San Diego, St. Louis and now Bakersfield.
We had our share of adventures. Biking from the valley to Bridalveil Falls was more work than I needed on a beach "one speed" cruiser bike. The hour downpour at Mirror Lake not only soaked us, but we were welcomed back to our campsites with flooded tents. At this point, I would have been easy to pack it all up and head home. The Housekeeping Camp laundry mat was an easy way to dry out sleeping bags and clothing.
Through this experience the kids learned about resiliency and perseverance. They pulled together and worked as a team to cook, tent, care for and encourage one another. Throw in a couple awesome hikes and overflowing waterfalls and you have a good week. I'm thankful to have the chance to sharing this love of nature with a bunch of kids from the inland valley. God was gracious in providing us a wonderful classroom to experience his creation firsthand. Though this experience takes alot of experience and work to do well, it creates memories that the kids never forget.
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