Adventure is out there for StM students!

Since September of 1992, the St. Martin of Tours 8th grade classes have spent a week in the wild, hiking the mountains of Yosemite National Park. What began as a parent organized class trip later transitioned to a partnership with NatureBridge, a nationwide non-profit committed to connecting young people to the wonder and science of the natural world, igniting self-discovery and inspiring stewardship of our planet.

This tradition continued this year, and for the first time, we brought along a parent chaperone who attended the trip as a student when he was an 8th grader at StM!

John Doyle ('95), father to 8th grader Ellie, and one of the three parent chaperones who went on this year's trip writes:

"I was extremely fortunate to spend a week this month chaperoning our 8th graders on their trip to Yosemite National Park. What made this experience even more special was that it brought back memories from 30 years ago, when I was a Saint Martin's 8th grader myself, taking a similar trip to Yosemite, with my Dad as a chaperone.

"My 1994 trip to Yosemite created great memories and forged some of my strongest friendships. It taught me to push beyond my comfort zone and showed me I could accomplish more than I thought possible. I also learned to work with and support my classmates to achieve a common goal.

"Now, as a chaperone, I witnessed this year's 8th grade class experience similar growth and build what I hope will be equally strong bonds with their classmates. It was heartwarming to see the students challenge themselves on the trail, to support each other though the team building exercises, and create lasting memories.

This full-circle moment reminded me how lucky I was 30 years ago to have been provide the opportunity to have this experience in the breathtaking natural  beauty of Yosemite and how fortunate our 8th graders are to be able to have the same experience."

Cat Lavelle, our 8th grade homeroom teacher who also went on the trip, writes:

"I love Nature Bridge and find it to be such a valuable experience for students. My class had the best time. My heart melted when they reported some of their highlights being connecting with students they don't usually talk to and being able to challenge themselves and grow from the experience."

Fun fact! Cat's husband, Brendan Lavelle ('95) ventured to Yosemite as an 8th grader at StM as well!

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible, including our parent chaperones, John Doyle, Eddie Muth, and Gabe Scarpelli, our teacher chaperones, Cat Lavelle and Claire McManmon, and all the NatureBridge staff.

Want to ensure this tradition continues for generations of Bengals to come? Click here to donate now to support this trip and all of our student-centered programing!