On September 9, the 6th grade set off on a long car ride to Mazama, assisted by science teacher, Marc Saks, humanities teacher, Glyn Jenkins, and numerous people from the YMCA. After the 'mids'- pyramid-like tents- were set up, games were played and the sixth graders generally had fun.
The weather was generally good. The morning was always bitterly cold; however, the day became warmer as it progressed but in the evening it became colder once again. It was clear during the day; it sprinkled once, but less than it was predicted to.
The sixth grade went to two different locations to rock climb; however, one of the ropes on the second location had a wasp’s nest, and was closed off. They also went rappelling, which is when a person, securely attached to people or trees slowly lowers him/herself down a rock face.
As far as backpacking, the sixth grade divided into three groups, each backpacking a different trail and a different amount of miles.
"The rock climbing was really exciting for me," Bianca from the sixth grade recalled. "I learned how to belay….I had already climbed before and learned quite a few knots, so belaying was a very nice thing for me to learn."
When asked about the hiking the sixth grade had done, Bianca said, "The hiking was really nice. There was pretty rough terrain sometimes, but it was really wonderful to see different sights and nature. Plus, it was easier this time, because last year we went on a trip and went backpacking."
But the trip was not all fun. Bianca's strongest (but not the fondest) memory was of the time she was stung around eleven times by wasps. There were many around the campsite where the sixth graders stayed, the first encounter between wasps and campers happened during a game of 'sardines'. The number of people being stung added up to five people. Perhaps the sixth grade trip in the spring won't have any. Wonder what'll happen then . .
By Olivia
