Seventh Graders Journey to Morro Bay 

“I got to kiss a sea anemone!” exclaimed seventh grader Mar Goldbach. “It was disgusting—but the tidepools were really neat. I’d never seen so much life like that.” 

Exploring tidepools was just one of the activities that introduced students to the flora and fauna of Morro Bay during their Experiential and Outdoor Education (EOE) trip in October. On the four-day adventure, students tackled a steep trail, roamed around on sand dunes and paddled through the glassy bay at nightfall.  

A hike on the Valencia Peak Trail led students to a panoramic view of the hills and the ocean. Reaching the top, Mar and her friends spent some time in the shade, talking and taking it all in. She recalled, “Honestly, it was just a beautiful experience, because I feel like I just don’t touch grass enough.”

For other students, the hike was a challenging aspect of the trip. Goldie Corwin, who described herself as “someone who doesn’t like hiking very much,” reported that it was pretty rough, but she made it to the top. She said, “I think the most rewarding part was when I got back down to the bottom—looking up and seeing where I had been was pretty cool.”

Sara Luke, a Middle School science teacher and the interim seventh grade dean, reflected on the ways students grow through EOE experiences as they form new and deeper friendships, spend time away from their families and encounter the natural world. “EOE provides an opportunity for students to rewrite the stories they hold about themselves, their relationship to nature and their relationship to others,” she shared. She explained that the trip is scheduled early in the school year because it offers a unique moment for students to connect with one another.

Mar and Goldie agreed that the trip was a special experience to share with classmates. “I really liked bonding with friends," said Mar. “I’m new this year, and I didn’t know the girls I shared a tent with that well. Now I feel like I’m much closer with them.”

Goldie added that she enjoyed the meal times because everyone came together to help prepare and serve the food, as well as to chat, relax and play games. “On EOE, everybody puts their friend groups aside and just hangs out with anybody. It’s when you make the deepest connections. People just drop all the social norms and hang out with whoever they want, and you get closer with new people. It’s refreshing.”

One of the highlights of the trip was an evening kayak excursion. Students paddled out into the Bay at dusk, noticing the shifts in the ecosystem as the sun set. They spotted otters cruising by, including a mother with her pup balanced on her belly. “The night float was one of my favorite parts of the trip,” said Goldie. “The light was reflecting on the water and I saw some baby otters. I don’t think of myself as an outdoorsy person, but then I go on EOE and I think, ‘Wow, I guess I’m just like Indiana Jones now,’” she added with a laugh.