PEP Spring Break Shows Students Southern California

PEP’s Spring Break Camp turned the week of March 23–27 into an immersive week of field trips, welcoming more than 60 students for five days of exploration and connection. The program offered students a chance to experience Southern California in new ways.

clubPEP Program Lead Mia Rodriguez emphasized the importance of providing accessible experiences for all students, especially those who might not otherwise be able to participate in similar activities.“PEP Spring Break gives opportunities to kids who might not be able to make it to PEP during the regular schedule or go on trips,” she said. “They can still be involved, see their friends, and make a core memory. It’s also a relief for parents who need that support.”

One of the standout experiences was a hike through Chantry Flats to Sturtevant Falls, guided by Occidental researcher and Poly alum Diego Blanco ’18. Lea M. ’32 found the experience especially meaningful. “Diego taught us a lot about the different birds and plants there,” she said. “I took away how much of the earth I still don’t know about yet and how many plants I have to discover. I want to be a zoologist when I grow up because I like animals and the geology of the earth, so it was pretty much the perfect field trip for me.”

On Wednesday, both Middle and Lower School PEP students headed to Montrose Bowl for a day of bowling, music, and team bonding. Avery A. ’34, who Mia says can be more reserved, stood out during the outing. “He was feeling the music. He was dancing. He was really into the game and keeping track of the score,” she said. “He stepped up into that bigger kid role, like a role model.”

Avery himself reflected on how the week pushed him to try new things. “The thing I liked about it is that they took me to places that I’ve never been before, so I could learn new things,” he said. “It’s kind of like school out of school.”

He especially enjoyed the Aquarium of the Pacific. “There’s lots of fascinating wildlife to see, and you can learn about them and sometimes even touch,” he said. Avery documented his experiences through his personal camera, capturing moments to share with his family. “I took as many pictures as I could so that my dad, who wasn’t there, could see what I would see.”

That spirit of sharing and connection was echoed throughout the program, particularly during Thursday’s visit from ReDiscover, where students worked together on a large-scale building project using real tools and upcycled materials. For Mia, it was a powerful example of PEP’s core values in action.

“There’s nothing better than collaboration when a fifth grader is helping a kindergartner,” she said. “That’s really the embodiment of PEP. We base the program on social-emotional well-being and bringing all the grades together. To see them create something together and have that outcome at the end was amazing.”

By the end of the week, students raved about the field trips and new memories they made. For Avery, the experience is something he’ll carry forward. “I look forward to seeing how much PEP grows,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see what changes from when I first came here until I leave.”