Voices From Middle School Outdoor Education Trip

 

What was the highlight of the trip for you?

Highlights of this trip for me are always seeing the kids overcome challenges, as well as bonding and making new friends. There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment upon arrival back at Poly.

 

Was there anything surprising or unusual that happened on the trip?

This year’s trip was a huge success!  We had warmer than usual weather for this trip, which helped encourage more students than usual to “sleep out” at night rather than sleeping in their tents. This allowed for the viewing of a pretty rare event—students that happened to be awake during the wee hours of our last evening got to witness a full moon eclipse (in addition to some pretty amazing star gazing).

 

What was your favorite part of the trip? 

My favorite part of the trip was experiencing life outside the city. For example, being able to see stars crystal-clear at night; climbing to the top of the mountain; and seeing miles and miles of Joshua Trees, mountains, and other nature.

 

What was it like being unplugged and away from home for the trip? 

It was very peaceful and stress-free for me to be unplugged from electronics during this trip. It mainly made me appreciate all of the technology and access to social media that I have at home. But at the same time, it made me realize that all of this stuff that I think is so essential to me is not and that I can survive without screens.

 

What was your favorite part of the trip? 

My favorite part of the trip was when my group laughed together and created hilarious jokes that will be saved in our memories forever. I believe that only through these experiences would I have the chance to make the friends that I now have and grow closer to the ones I had before. The feeling of joy I had when we were laughing and talking together, especially right before bed, is a feeling I would hope to never forget. The smiling faces and the joyous laughs that my friends gave me were perhaps the only things that really kept me from feeling too homesick. I will never forget my group and the wonderful leaders that lead us the whole way. 

 

What was it like being unplugged and away from home for the trip? 

I felt more relaxed in a way when I was unplugged. This was in the sense that I do not have to worry about reading every single one of my texts or catching up on the latest episodes of my favorite shows. On the other hand, being away from home for the whole trip was challenging in ways that I could not have imagined even a day before the trip. Missing my family and being away from them for so long was definitely the hardest experience on the trip. Nevertheless, it was worth it and the feeling I had when I came home to my siblings and parents was great.

 

What was your favorite part of the trip? 

My favorite part of the trip was getting to go out in the wilderness and bond with my fellow classmates and teachers. During the hikes and evenings, we got to talk a lot to each other and really enjoy the outdoors. It really is a beautiful place to be, even though it may be tiring or even dangerous if we weren’t careful. It was extraordinary!

What was it like being unplugged and away from home for the trip? 

It was really fun and a new experience. It felt calm and worry-free. Even though at some moments I felt homesick, I'd like to think it was very worth the five-day stay in Joshua Tree. You really understand and see how much you take things in our normal life for granted.

 

What was your favorite part of the trip? 

My favorite part of the trip was bonding with my group that I was assigned to. We hiked, played games, and were under the stars all day and night together. It was truly a fun experience.

 

What was it like being unplugged and away from home for the trip? 

Being unplugged and away from home during this trip was an experience. I've never been away from home before but the fact that you're with your group and comfortable made it a better trip. Getting to know people I didn't really know that well before the trip was a great way to bond.

 

What was your favorite part of the trip? 

My favorite part of the trip was waking up to pink clouds, bonding with my group during dinner time, and hanging out with my friends every night while getting really close with them. During this trip, I have made new lifelong friends. 

 

What was it like being unplugged and away from home for the trip? 

I got to enjoy nature and being outside. I made real connections with people which I wouldn't have been able to do over the phone. Even though I missed my family, I didn't really mind because I was surrounded by amazing people.

To learn more about Poly's Outdoor Education program, click here.