WildLink August 2025: Venture Academy
Venture Academy’s 2025 WildLink students arrived in Yosemite hungry for adventure and excited for the week ahead. After a long drive from home in Stockton the group arrived at the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) and settled into cabins for the first two nights. A delicious dinner led to an evening program under the clear night sky where the group gathered around a fire and looked up at the stars while getting to know each other. The next day the group woke up and spent the day in Yosemite Valley with their guides Sam and Cassie gearing up for the backpacking expedition ahead. Once everyone had everything they needed for the next four days, 3 nights in the backcountry, they enjoyed the rest of the day in Yosemite Valley before heading back to the NESC for dinner and one last night in the cabins.
The day finally arrived, the group was to hike into the backcountry carrying everything they needed for the next four days on their backs. The group was eager but the weather did not cooperate as rain began to fall on their way to the trailhead. The group was not discouraged and everyone donned their rain jackets. After some last minute pack adjustments and vital last minute gear distributions everyone was set to hit the trail. Rain continued to fall as the group hiked up to May Lake making the scenery that much more dramatic as clouds moved through the mountains and the wind swayed the trees.
As the group made it to May Lake the rain eased up and they were able to set up camp at the base of Mt. Hoffmann without getting everything wet. They spent the rest of the day settling into camp and taking in the view as the storm receded. Once camp was set dinner time quickly approached and the group came together to share their first warm meal in the backcountry. That night the sky had some clouds but the rain did not return and the group slept safe and sound after a great first day.
Day two arrived and the group woke up to a beautiful view of May Lake and Mt. Hoffmann. The weather continued to improve and the group enjoyed breakfast in camp before exploring the area and enjoying the lake. Later that day the group made the decision to pick up camp and hike further into the wilderness. Everyone packed up their belongings and respective group gear like tents and cooking gear and got ready for the hike. Hungry to see as much as they could and being strong hikers the group moved at a great pace through the trail. Before they knew it, they had arrived at Raisin lake, a beautiful and rarely frequented lake in the Yosemite backcountry. The group had the area to themselves and took advantage of the solitude to really take in the beauty of the Yosemite high country. Once everyone was set up in the new location by Raisin lake the group came together once again for dinner and an evening around a fire. The night sky glistened with stars as the group welcomed their second night.
I dream that we all continue to have a strong connection with my group, and to also be able to come back like in 15 years and act and take to each other the same way like a family.Jacquelin Serrano - WildLink Venture Academy Participant
On day three the group woke up to the quiet solitude of wilderness and spent the day exploring. After breakfast they got ready for a long day hike further into the mountains, with snacks, warm layers, and water they ventured into the woods. Once they had traveled a ways they sat down for lunch before heading back to camp. Back at camp they noticed that Raisin lake was behaving differently. As the sun was setting you could stand at the edge of the lake, make a loud sound, and the surface of the water would ripple following the sound. It was an incredible and curious experience, the group played with the peculiar lake effect while speculating what it could be. Different theories included different types of insects, but the group was not able to confirm what caused the fun effect on the water. After their long hike and fun discovery on the playful lake they settled back into camp for their last night in the backcountry.
The last morning arrived and the team woke up at Raisin lake with the bittersweet feeling of having to return home after a great expedition. Camp was packed up making sure no trace of the group was left behind. A quick breakfast of bagels and cream cheese fueled the group and they began their hike back to the trail head. On their way back to the trailhead they passed by May Lake once more and got one last view of the beautiful alpine lake. Once back at the trailhead the team got together for one last lunch and to return all the gear they had borrowed. The team was still in high spirits, excited for the week they had just had and also for the idea of sleeping in their own beds again that night. The team took a group photo and loaded up in their vehicles, faces still smiling from the experience as they began their journey home, sure to return in the future.
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