Students spent sunny days in kayaks, snorkeling through kelp forests, studying tide pools, hiking on trails, and studying the stars around evening campfires.

 “It was an honor to accompany 6th grade on this new outdoor education trip this year and watch them immerse themselves in Catalina Island’s diverse and unique ecosystem. Watching students kayak through the turquoise waters glittering with kelp and hearing them excitingly yell out about each Garibaldi they saw is a memory I will always keep. We got so lucky with the ocean swell and weather, the water was extremely clear and the sun shined down on us daily. Passionate naturalists led them on so many activities including a hike along the rugged coast, encouraging them through the tough spots and effortlessly balanced learning and play each day. The last evening students created their own skits and ate s’mores around the campfire, cherishing their time together. Catalina Island is such a magical place and I know that this trip filled each student with new knowledge and a new sense of adventure.

– Meredith Thomas, Middle School Science Teacher