8th Graders Venture Off to Anza-Borrego

Middle School teachers, Anne Laure Denis (French Science) & Diesa Seidel (Sports) accompanied our 8th graders on a three-day, two-night camping trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park.

After exploring different ecosystems in previous years — the mountains at Pali near Big Bear in 6th grade and the ocean at Catalina Island in 7th — this year’s trip gave students the opportunity to discover another ecosystem close to San Diego: the desert.

The experience combined science learning and team building. Students discovered the joys and challenges of camping while strengthening their sense of collaboration — from setting up and taking down tents to preparing meals together.

Highlights included a hike in the park, a scavenger hunt at the Visitor Center, s’mores and stargazing around the campfire, and even a nighttime scorpion hunt!

It was a memorable adventure filled with learning, teamwork, and laughter.