{photos by Cindy Hilton}
We have such a brief opportunity to pass on to our children our love for this Earth, and to tell our stories. These are the moments when the world is made whole. In children’s memories, the adventures we’ve had together in nature will always exist.
~ Richard Louv, Author Last Child in the Woods
A few weeks ago a group of SLOCA 4th-8th grade students attended the Island of the Blue Dolphin Science Camp, and today we have photos and testimonials from this magical weekend to share with you!
Cindy Hilton, one of our SLOCA parents and the coordinator of this amazing trip through her agency, Simple Culture Boutique Travel, wrote a letter to the campers’ parents after the trip. We include some of her comments here to give you an idea of the truly special time the kids experienced:
…Sharing our stories was an important theme through out the trip. While we enjoyed relating to the story Island of the Blue Dolphins, we frequently shared our own stories of our experience in nature, through a word or two at some times, longer stories of sharing at other times, and the group presentations on the last night to share a highlight story of the student's experiences.
Personally, the highlights for me were watching the students grow in maturity and self-confidence over the weekend, as they were called to a high level of independence and while they overcame their own personal fears and challenges to try new experiences. There were many students who were very nervous about the snorkeling, but they were supported by their friends and by the adults on the trip and the wonderful guides we used, and they all did it and some of the fearful ones were bravely swimming around, faces in the water, then bopping up to excitedly share what they spotted!
…I was so proud of how those that struggled really persevered and made great strides! It was also fascinating to hear the change in the conversations and focus after four days without electronics. Slowly the conversations shifted more and more away from Minecraft, believe it or not!
Thank you so much, Cindy, for organizing this incredible learning adventure! Another SLOCA parent, Wendy Dahl, wrote the following letter, which we also loved and wanted to share with our community. This is truly a unique group of families we are doing life with, and we are fortunate to have these opportunities! Wendy writes:
A HUGE thank you to Cindy for creating an incredible experience for all! I always tell my son, “You know what makes a great trip? Like when everything magically works out and runs smoothly? Good planning.” How else could 32 kids/11adults (about 20 boys!) survive 4 days on a remote and rustic island emerging with happy songs and memories and no emergencies/major injuries?! Organized, detailed, thought-full, calm and positive = Cindy Hilton. 
I learned so many things and loved seeing elements from the book come alive! Like when we arrived on the island and right from the dock saw a cormorant with its shiny black & green iridescent feathers! The trip booklet that we all received is detailed, packed with info, and must've taken hours to create.
The naturalists that Cindy found were so many! Each was different and all had great knowledge and love for the earth. The excursions were fantastic, of course.
The kids found courage, stillness, teamwork and friendship in themselves and each other while learning about nature and history. Of course there was some drama, mishap and running amok, but those were used for character trait emphasis.
The parents modeled strong character traits. Aaron Hilton and Jeff Faber were incredible work horses for ALL the food and camp needs (hauling, prep, cooking, accommodating different dietary needs, kitchen cleanup, camp set up, trash management, tent set up, camp breakdown). The list goes on, plus these guys stayed at camp to prep for the next meal while we went out on excursions. Incredible! All the dads helped them. Great teamwork! All the parents were an integral part of the trip.
Alongside Cindy were our fearless counselors. Mrs Vaccaro, Mrs. Twist and Mr. Stavros bravely led our 3 clans through each of the varied activities. They fostered team building as well as personal growth. They quickly understood each student, challenging them to grow, while addressing their needs. When the rest of us could choose free time, they led optional activities. When we were getting ready for bed, these leaders stayed up late to meet about the next day then were up early to rally their clans. Not a moment's rest for our leaders! Huzzah!
It was a privilege to experience this trip with each and everyone of you and your children.
Love and Gratitude to all,
Wendy Dahl
