Imagine sharing a tent with a stranger for four days. How would you take it? 9th grader Isa Lulla described it as, “We got to bond with people in our tents, because we didn’t choose our tents, so I got with someone I didn’t know before and wasn’t friends with.” Over four days and three nights, Flintridge Prep students explored Catalina Island through a variety of activities. Through this, students were able to live in the moment and enjoy a break from school. While kayaking, many first-time paddlers were fortunate enough to have amazing directions and guides, which helped them navigate through the waters. Paddling around the cove camp Emerald Bay and kayaking around Endemic Rocks, was a physically challenging activity but worth the fun. Additionally, through snorkelling—a popular and first-time experience for many—fish and sea creatures such as the Garibaldi, stingrays, lobster, kelp, and many others were visible. Moreover, night snorkeling showed bioluminescence, making it even more eye-catching and interesting. 

On land, Charlotte Hesling reports, “We went on a lot of hikes; we went on a four-hour hike!” The remarkable hikes took students through steep trails with astonishing views of the Pacific Ocean and led them to End Point, on the northeast side of the island. After dark, with the visibility of the bright stars, hikes provided the learning of astronomy, allowing students to gaze upon the constellations with stories and origins. Furthermore, adding onto the learning experience, Camp Emerald Bay’s Science Center offered astonishing facts and findings, such as learning that it is illegal to fishout California’s State fish (the Garibaldi). Students were able to touch small sharks, sea cucumbers, anemones, and starfish, and under microscopes, they identified different types of plankton, drawn from ocean water droplets. 

Near the trip’s conclusion, all trail groups got together and shared their last moments on Catalina Island with a big fire, graham crackers, chocolate bars, and marshmallows. It wouldn’t be a trip about bounding without the making of s’mores and taking in the last moments of liberty. For a week free from school, students were able to clear their minds and familiarize themselves with new classmates. “It was an overall good experience, and we got to meet everyone,” continues Issa Lulla. Going to Catalina Island wasn’t just about experiencing new places but also new friendships, as new and returning Prep students were brought together to make new memories they will always cherish.