Abigail Brown – Moab, Utah … The Sophomore class from Campion Academy (CA) in Loveland, Colorado, went on the annual biology trip to Moab, Utah, May 7-11. Led by Erica Franklin, CA science teacher, they explored the ruins of Mesa Verde National Park in Colorado, Arches National Park in Utah, and other wonders in the area.
The first stop was Mesa Verde National Park where they were able to take a tour of the ancient balcony house and explore other ruins in the park.
For the remainder of the trip, they camped at “Hittle Bottom Campground” where they bonded over lively discussions around the campfire and huddled up in tents. Heidi Vasquez-Hernadez, CA student, expressed, “It was fun getting to know each other better outside of the classroom setting, while sharing experiences at Moab.”
Every evening, Erik Stenbakken, one of the adult sponsors on the trip, gave inspirational talks about how to finish the race strongly in our spiritual lives. Student Aome Angeles stated, “His talks gave me a different perspective on life and made it feel more purposeful.”
On May 8, the students rafted down the Colorado River where they had water fights and swam in the river. After rafting, the students worked on a class project measuring the water from the river and identified plants on hikes.
On one of the hikes, the group encountered a waterfall and got to go under it. Student Merlina Resendiz shared, “After a hot day it was nice to take a break and play in the waterfall. It was relaxing and peaceful and it felt like a nice reset.”
The students all hiked to the Delicate Arch in Utah on the last day and then split up into different groups to explore various trails of the national park. Elin Sorensen, student, related, “It was fun hiking with my classmates and getting to talk to them while being outside in nature.”
After a trip of exploration and bonding, the group made it back to Campion Academy on May 11.
—Abigail Brown, Campion Academy Student News Team. Photos supplied.
