Students from Foster High School and Evergreen High School recently went on an overnight camping trip to Vantage, WA. After weeks of prep, this adventure gave students the chance to push their limits, bond with each other, and experience the outdoors in a whole new way.
Preparation: Gearing Up for Adventure
Leading up to the trip, Foster students practiced the skills they’d need for the weekend. They started with a climbing intro at school, learning knots and belaying techniques using a railing as a practice wall. In the following weeks, they climbed at the YMCA and Kenticle, set up tents, and cooked meals together as a team. By Friday, they packed up at the Y.E.T.I. lot and were ready for their adventure!
The Trip: Climbing, Hiking, and Teamwork
The adventure kicked off with a climb at Frenchman Coulee, where students took on real rock faces. David and Sean helped set up the gear and guided the students. Some were nervous at first, but after watching their friends climb, they built up their confidence and gave it a try themselves.
Afterward, the group hiked to the ridge of Sunshine Wall, where they had to down-climb into a slot canyon. With plenty of teamwork, they helped each other out, offering tips like, “No, this route’s easier” and “Wait, try this one instead!” By the end, everyone was stoked, reflecting on how cool the experience was.
The fun continued around the campfire that evening. Mario led a game where everyone tried to match responses to questions like, “What’s the best fruit?” The group laughed, trying to outwit each other with funny answers. They were so invested in the game that they kept adding wood to the fire long after it started to burn down, not wanting the fun to end.
Reflections: Growth and New Skills
This trip was full of firsts. Several Evergreen students had never tried rock climbing before, but by the end, they were excited to have reached the top. Foster students, who’d spent weeks practicing knots and climbing, were proud to see their hard work pay off. For some, it was also their first time camping. They learned how to set up tents, cook meals, and manage a campsite—all new skills that made them feel more self-sufficient in the outdoors.
Lasting Impact
The trip was a big success. The skills they learned, friendships they built, and memories they made will stay with them long after they head back to school. We’re already looking forward to the next Y.E.T.I. Clubs adventure!
