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5.1.03

Last week I was with a group of eighth grade students from Huntington Beach. For me this was probably my most difficult week. The students were so great and I had a blast, but I just didn't feel like I was really connecting with them, at least not like I have been with other groups.

We started out the week like every other, with getting to know you and teambuilding activities. They worked well with one another.

Our challenge hike for the week was to Clark Point, which is located above Vernal Falls with a beautiful outlook of Nevada Falls. It was a good five miles round trip, but well worth it. And the students loved it.

Friday was our last day together and we did the spider caves. This was rather exciting for me, because I was given the opportunity to lead the way in the dark. That was fun and for most of the students that was their highlight.

This past week I had a group of fourth grade students from Sacramento, CA. I was with them on Monday when they went to the spider caves, very exciting for them.

Tuesday, however, I did not spend with the group. My high school Sierra Nevada teacher came up to Yosemite for a field trip to the top of Nevada Falls. So, Jose and I spent the day with the group. We went to the top of Vernal Falls, Clark Point, Emerald Pool, and the top of Nevada Falls. Although it was a rather demanding hike with the mist trail closed half way and the John Muir closed for the other half, we made it and had such a good time.

Wednesday I met back up with the group of fourth graders. We spent the day doing "educational learning activities," or better known as games.

Thursday was an absolute blast. We went to El Capitan Meadow. Like the day before we did more "educational learning activities," had lots of fun. When we got the students back to their camp I was asked by four of the students to stay and play a game of cards, so I did. The card game lead to fishing, fishing lead to quiet time, which lead to a pine cone fight, then we ate dinner, and played cards again.

At 7 pm all the instructors were at their campfire. I loved it, it reminds me so much of the campfires I love to go to with all the songs and skits and awards, etc. All of the instructors were presented with t-shirts from the school, decorated by the students. Then we had dessert and played another game of cards.

Although Friday was a short day with them, it was great. I was so sad to see them leave. Those kids were awesome. This was the perfect ending for my stay in Yosemite.