November was full of crisp air, rushing waterfalls, and plenty of outdoor fun. Y.E.T.I. students and open enrollment trips stayed busy hiking, biking, climbing, fishing, geocaching, and practicing hands-on outdoor skills. Here’s a closer look at the month:
Hiking Adventures
Students on the open enrollment Twin Falls hike got an epic show from the river. The water was roaring higher than usual, and hot chocolate and cookies at the bottom made the perfect reward. Some students raced logs down the river while whitewater paddlers went by. Definitely an exciting day!
Pacific Middle School spent the day at Nature Trails Park. They did loops, played camouflage games, flipped logs, hunted for mushrooms, and even built fairy houses. Everyone was so curious and full of wonder!
Glacier Middle School and Showalter Middle School teamed up at Saltwater State Park and caught a gorgeous sunset. Lots of laughs, a little silliness on the trails, and some solid trail time with friends.
Glacier Middle School also hiked Lincoln Park. Students split time between the forest edge and the Puget Sound shoreline, skipping rocks, cracking jokes, and soaking up the calm moments.
Students on the open enrollment Challenge Hike went to Teneriffe Falls, taking on a steeper trail and enjoying the payoff at the top.
Other not pictured but equally as rad hikes:
- Showalter Middle School had a day at Seward Park, climbing logs, walking the trails, and hanging near the water.
- Beverly Park Elementary went to Twin Falls and celebrated the view at the top of the rushing river.
Biking Days
Biking was all about skills and fun.
Pacific Middle School joined drills and games, picking their route and group for the day. One student even brought their own bike, which added extra energy to the ride.
Sylvester Middle School combined with Foster High School and Mt. Rainier High School. Students practiced circle drills, emergency braking races, and slalom cones, cheering each other on the whole time.
Sylvester Middle School tackled the pump track at North SeaTac Park. Evin made huge improvements and really showed what she could do.
Fishing Days
Sylvester Middle School fished at Angle Lake, and students who wanted a break could hang out with hot chocolate and cards in the pavilion. Glacier Middle School also fished at Angle Lake. Even with cooler weather, students stayed engaged and had fun by the water.
Climbing and Rappelling
At Camp Long, students on an open enrollment trip set up their own rappel systems with instructors nearby. It was hands-on, safe, and a big confidence boost.
Geocaching Adventures
Students on an open enrollment geocaching trip had a blast hunting for hidden caches. They celebrated each find, worked together on tricky spots at Walker Preserve, and used walkie-talkies to add some extra excitement. The day was full of teamwork, friendly competition, and outdoor fun.
Outdoor Skills
Students practiced hands-on skills for upcoming overnight trips.
Mount Rainier High School pitched tents, tested sleeping pads, and toured the Y.E.T.I. lot to get familiar with camp setups. Maritime High School practiced lighting camp stoves and made hot cocoa. Skill-building and snacks at the same time? Win-win.
Vantage Climbing Campout
High school students headed to Vantage for an open enrollment climbing campout. They spent the weekend scaling walls, practicing climbing skills, cooking meals together, and getting ready for future trips. It was teamwork, skill-building, and outdoor connection all packed into one weekend.
Community Moments
At the Glacier Middle School Fall Band Concert, about 20 Y.E.T.I. students performed. When Wes and Renee arrived, students ran over to greet them, excited to see Y.E.T.I. staff and share the moment.
The Big Picture
November was full of outdoor challenges, hands-on skills, and plenty of laughter. Students biked, hiked, fished, climbed, rappelled, geocached, and practiced camping skills. Every trip gave them the chance to try something new, challenge themselves, and enjoy time outside with friends as the season turned colder.
