WildLink June 2025: San Lorenzo High School

They arrived at NatureBridge’s National Environmental Science Center ready for what the week had in store, playing both happy high-energy and sad low-energy music. It was the first time San Lorenzo High School participated in WildLink and there could not have been a better group of young people. Even though some of them did not know each other very well, they all fell into playing games and exploring as soon as they got to the NESC. Once everyone was settled into their cabins, they all recombined to enjoy a lovely dinner prepared by chef Trevor, punctuated by his amazing homemade chocolate chip cookies.

After dinner the group met with one of their NatureBridge educators to play some name games, get to know each other a little better and get a fire going. With a nice fire going and everyone knowing each other's names, s’mores were made, journals were written in and more games were played. Once the fire had died down and the sun had set, the group moved indoors and continued getting to know each other over board games. 

Monday morning came, a bright warm June day. The group journeyed to Yosemite valley after breakfast, there, they prepared themselves for the week to come. Packing their backpacks with everything they and the group were going to need for their upcoming four day three night expedition in the Yosemite Wilderness. The team worked efficiently and was ready to go shortly after lunch. No time was wasted before the group was exploring the valley, jumping in the Yosemite creek and admiring the Lower Yosemite Falls. It was amazing to see how well the group was taking the experience and how great of a time they were having. 

That afternoon the group made their way back to the NESC for dinner and another evening program, this time with their second NatureBridge educator. After a day in Yosemite valley the group was so inspired and excited to sleep under the stars that they dragged their mattresses out to the balconies of their cabins and slept out there. The stars were bright that night with an even brighter moon. In the morning everyone was ready to sleep under the stars and in the woods for the rest of the week.

After breakfast on Tuesday they loaded up the vehicles and made their way to the McGurk Meadow trailhead where two wilderness Rangers were waiting to hike in with them. Once a quick “before” picture was taken the team got on the trail and made quick work of the two mile hike into camp. Once everyone was at camp, lunch was in order and the entire group including the two Wilderness Rangers shared a meal. A game of “Hot Seat” began and the two rangers got to sit in the “Hot seat” first and have WildLink participants take turns asking them interesting questions. Time flew by and before they knew it the two wilderness rangers had to get back to their duties. After a quick goodbye the team began setting up camp for the next four days alongside Bridalveil creek. It was a warm sunny day and after camp was set up the team went down to the creek to enjoy their first dip in the brisk water. The sun was warm and the water was refreshing. 
 

As the sun got lower in the sky and the temperature dropped the group returned back to camp to start on dinner and get a fire going. Conversation filled the air as stories were shared and laughs were had. Soon a big moon rose through the trees and it was time to go to bed.  

The morning came and some students rose from their tents; others had slept outside under the stars. An oatmeal breakfast was followed by some activities and when the group was asked what they wanted to do with their day the answer was - CREEK! So down to the creek they went, the group played card games, did yoga, journaled and explored up and down the creek asking questions about where the water came from and where it went. What the different plants were and the rocks. Countless moments and interactions brought both individuals and the team together, getting to know each other and their public land.

Soon it was time for dinner as the team decided to have an early one so that they could hike out to Dewey point for sunset. A quick dinner was served and everyone got ready for a four mile round trip to Dewey point, where the return trip would be in the dark. Ready with warm layers and headlights the team set out to find an awesome sunset. On the way there they encountered different vegetation, including snow plants, and a friendly rubber boa. By the time the team made it to Dewey point the timing was perfect and the sky was preparing a wonderfully warm light show painting the majestic Yosemite valley as the sun went down. The sunset did not disappoint, and everyone found themselves a great spot to take it in, do a little journaling and take some pictures. 

Once it was dark the group came back together to prepare for the way back as the full moon rose opposite to the sun set lighting up the sky in a cool pale light. A quick candy snack to refuel, a small recreation of Despicable Me’s Gru planning to steal the moon, and headlights came on ready for the journey back. On the way back the forest was dense, dark and silent, except for the pod of lights walking through on the trail singing their favorite songs and telling stories. Even a small rap burst out as the team made their way back to camp. Getting back to camp energy was low and the team swiftly found their sleeping bags, some outside their tents, others still inside tents. 

The last full day out, Thursday, came and the team woke to breakfast and a plan to hike to Taft Point. This time a five mile round trip with quite a bit more elevation gain then the day before. Motivated by the vegetation and great conversation along the trail the team was close to Taft point before they knew it. As they got closer a big hill spread out the group and those who were ahead encountered a momma bear and her cubs on top of the hill. As the rest of the group came up and everyone stayed at a safe distance the students let each other know of the mother and cubs telling each other to stay quiet and pointing at where the forest friends were. 

The team made it to Taft point and had lunch taking in the views. After a bit of exploring, some more rounds of “Hot Seat” the team made their way back, encouraged by the cold creek as the sun beamed down on them. That night a fire kept everyone warm and conversation kept everyone entertained, sharing stories, joking and laughing. Everyone slept outside their tents that night, taking in the night sky. 

The last morning came around and the team bittersweetly packed up camp and hiked out. Before beginning the drive back home a quick stop by Glacier Point allowed them to give Yosemite a proper goodbye and close the week off with some reflections. As the team reflected on the week, so much gratitude was expressed and faces glowed with joy and appreciation for the people that had made the week such an unforgettable experience.