WildLink June 2026: Monache High School
June has arrived, summer has officially arrived and we were so excited to welcome this years’ Monache High School group. Eleven awesome students gathered at their high school in Porterville CA, on a Sunday morning, prepared and packed as well as they could have been for an adventure. Led by their fearless chaperones Mr. Price and Mr. Orozco the group said goodbye to their home town to come and connect with their home here in Yosemite National Park. After a long and windy road the group arrived at the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) where they settled into cabins to begin their adventurous week.
Once settled, dinner was served followed by an evening program where the students began to know each other a little better and ask any questions about the week to come now that they were here. A slow evening of conversation led to a peaceful first night of sleep. In the morning they woke and after a delicious breakfast, the team loaded into vehicles and headed towards Yosemite valley where they were to gather all the gear they would need for the next four days. Both of their incredible NatureBridge educators, Katie and Cassie, made sure that everyone had everything they needed to stay warm and comfortable during the week. The educators also explained and described all the different pieces of equipment that the group was to carry and the best way to carry it. After everyone was set and packed the group enjoyed some free time in Yosemite valley and decided to explore a bit before heading back to the NESC for one more dinner and night indoors. Before going to bed the group gathered one last time before the backpacking trip began and shared some hopes and fears for the upcoming days. Cassie was great about addressing the fears and encouraging the hopes.
The morning finally arrived when the group was to set out on their backpacking adventure. After a quick breakfast, everyone double checked that they had everything with them and loaded up the vehicles. The forest looked beautiful and inviting as the group drove to the trailhead: McGurk Meadow. Having unloaded and donned their packs, the team began hiking, taking in the sights and sounds of the woods. They were an energetic group on trail and as the hiked conversations ensued and laughs had. The group made quick work of the hike into camp and before they knew it, it was time to set up camp. A beautiful spot next to Bridalveil creek amongst the trees was their home for the next four days. After they had set up camp they went down to meet the creek that would be their source of water for the next four days. Having met the creek and maybe taken a quick dip the group settled back into camp to prepare dinner and welcome their first evening outdoors.
The second day the group woke up to sunshine and the sound of birds. A breakfast of oatmeal was had and the group wondered what the day would bring. As the group was hanging out at camp, ranger Sam hiked out to meet them. Sam has been working with Yosemite wilderness for years and was happy to talk about their role in the park and how it is they came to be hired for such a position. Ranger Sam and the group got along quickly and they decided to go for a hike to Dewey Point together. As they hiked and talked about anything that came to mind the forest closed in around them with tall trees hundreds of years old and then opened up again, this pattern continued all the way to Dewey point making the hike mysterious and revelatory in many ways.
Being in Yosemite and WildLink has made me see what I’ve been missing. Seeing the views, flowers and animals has made me realize being outside without any connection to electronic devices can be so life changing.AlexAndrea Corona
Dewey Point welcomed the group with vast majestic landscapes, standing 2,500 ft over Yosemite valley the views seem to go on forever. The team took their time taking in the scenery, journaling and talking about what it made them feel. A good while later, feeling replenished with perspective and awe, the group decided to begin making their way back. As they hiked back the sun drifted lower and lower toward the horizon. Camp welcomed them with open arms and though the group was happy they were also tired and hungry. Dinner was in order. The group settled into camp, some taking some time to themselves, others hanging out around the campfire while dinner was put together. Dinner was had around the fire and as the sky darkened the fire got ever brighter. Conversations continued until the time came to go rest their eyes and await the new day.
The next morning was bright and the group woke up curious for what they would see today after the imposing beauty of yesterday. After breakfast, Cassie and Katie announced that everyone should prepare to go exploring for the rest of the day. Day packs were packed with water and snacks, layers and journals. Once everyone was ready to go, they took off this time in a different direction. This trail was longer and steeper, the day was warm and the sun was high in the sky. After some time the group arrived at Taft point, comparable with Dewey point as one of the best views of Yosemite Valley. The team had lunch there and took in the views, they explored the area to find unique spots and perspectives of the views. Having been satisfied with their time there and recognizing that it would never be enough they began their journey back to camp. The hike back felt shorter than the hike there and before they knew it they were back at the creek they had gotten to know so well by now.
That evening was a peaceful one, everyone felt comfortable and the campsite felt like home. A fire was lit as dinner was being prepared and the group sunk into the evening around the fire, conversations flowing and memories being made.
The last morning came fast and the group made quick work of packing up camp. Mixed emotions over leaving the campsite went about. The hike back to the trailhead also seemed shorter than the hike in, the warm day and blue sky made the forest colors pop. The team got back to the trailhead with a sense of success, proud of themselves for having had a great expedition out there.
Stories
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For Tashanda Gilies-Jones, hands-on activities are at the heart of an education that leads to true understanding and transformation. In 2014, Tashanda chaperoned an ECS seventh-grade trip to NatureBridge’s Southern California campus in the Santa Monica Mountains. More than ten years later, she’s still bringing students back to experience NatureBridge programs.
WildLink June 2026: Monache High School
June has arrived, summer has officially arrived and we were so excited to welcome this years’ Monache High School group. Eleven awesome students gathered at their high school in Porterville CA, on a Sunday morning, prepared and packed as well as they could have been for an adventure. Led by their fearless chaperones Mr. Price and Mr. Orozco the group said goodbye to their home town to come and connect with their home here in Yosemite National Park. After a long and windy road the group arrived at the National Environmental Science Center (NESC) where they settled into cabins to begin their adventurous week.
Why Access Matters: NatureBridge Alum Alicia Bales Reflects on the Power of Outdoor Education
Alicia Bales, current Director of the Redwood Chapter of the Sierra Club, didn’t grow up seeing herself as an outdoorsy person. Raised in Sacramento, CA, she thought of herself as a “city kid” who had spent little time in nature—until a school trip to NatureBridge Yosemite changed everything.