Sarah Houston | Writer
October 31, 2024
From swimming with the fish to dissecting a squid by hand, the trip to Catalina, put on by the AP Marine Science class and led by Ms. Brislen, does it all.
When arriving first on the island, a rush of emotions coursed through our veins as the colorful cabins and greenery hit our eyes. Within the first hours of docking, students broke off to separate activities as they met their instructor and cabin mates. Laughter and excitement echoed off the mountain ranges that surround the camp. After snorkeling and kayaking for the remainder of the day, the dinner bell rang through the camp, and then, after a bonfire and smores, the first day concluded.
It was bright and early the next morning when our alarms blared through the cabins. The day began with a healthy breakfast that was held in a noisy cafeteria and a quick overview of the day’s events. With water activities, labs, and even games like “gaga ball,” students were left with little time to miss home. By the time the night rolled around, night snorkeling was all the rave. Every student, teacher, and instructor alike joined on the swim deck with lights and music. Each group took a plunge into the cold water and explored the other side from a different perspective. Hot chocolate awaited us, but an empty shower stall was hard to come by. With that, the second day came to a close.
On the last day, we were asked to pack bags and be ready for pick up. The last activities were completed, and a quiet lull fell over the camp as students waited for the ferry to come and retrieve them. Dolphins gave us a warm goodbye as the boat sailed away, the attendees sat idly by as the boat docked. Families hugged and teens explained with barely concealed excitement the events of the previous days.
Junior Dorian Paskowitz said that “some of [his] best memories came from this trip,” which all goes to show the impact that the efforts to educate the new generations in a creative and interactive school trip.
If given the opportunity to take this trip, do not pass it up. Junior Emily Racine, another participant in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, said, “I would go back in a heartbeat.”
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