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 ...The ten day
trek is a science trip for 80 seventh graders from
two Redwood City, CA middle schools, with around 16 adult chaperones and teachers.
I call this trip 'Punishment for being good' but it is really a lot of fun.
The students who get to go are selected by their teachers. The 80 are chosen by a
drawing from those that are eligible. Generally it is those who are doing well enough
to stand 10 days away from normal class and do what they are told. We do a practice
hike near school to insure the students are physically able to do this trek.
Parts of the trek are physically demanding on the students and adults. Many students
have never done something this physically demanding in their lives. This is a chance
to discover what they are made of.
The adults know that all the students are physically able to do this, but the students
must each find this out for themselves. This exercise is as much mental as physical
and they discover this at a time when only their friends and we adults are available
to them.
On the trek, every student is required to fill out a workbook designed to combine science education with the trip experience. Their teachers review the workbook on return. We do two types of camping on this trek. The first is the normal type of camping at the south rim of the Grand Canyon National Park and the second is a backpacking type of camping where the only way to get there is by walking in. Students get to see one of the seven natural wonders of the world and learn about its geology and history while actually being there to experience it. No walkmans, MP3 or disc players, cell phones, or radios are allowed on his trip to encourage verbal communication. The canyon is so narrow and the walls are so steep I have never seen a cell phone that works at the Havasupai campground. The students experience many firsts on this trip. Examples: being in a place where the only food available is what we bring down with us on pack horses, and being in a place where the nearest store is a two mile walk from our camp site. Potable water is available.
I believe students gain a feeling of accomplishment on completing this trek.
On the backpacking part, when descending into the canyon they find themselves in
totally unfamiliar country. They know it is about an 11.5 mile hike but they don't know
where the end is or how close they are to it. The adults provide encouragement and
support as they go through this. Helping their fellow students is definitely
encouraged.
 Send E-Mail to ...F. Montijo. Visitor
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Our trek
leader shown here is Mr. Warren Sedar leading the
students down the trail on the backpacking part of the Trek. Most things went
well this year and it was warm. It's more fun for the students when it is warm.
I look forward to mid May each year but the 10 days seem to roll by faster and
faster each time. I did more preparation work this time and hope to become more
skillful at it on future treks.
