It was windy. It was cold. And, oh yeah, it snowed.
But for a group of 10 seasoned Ojai Valley School campers, who went out recently on the Upper Campus’ first backpacking trip of the year, none of that mattered.
Boldly setting out to conquer the eastern Sierra Nevada, the students traveled up Highway 395 to Rock Creek and then hiked nearly a dozen miles to Gem Lake, elevation nearly 10,000 feet. After setting up camp, some hiked even higher. And they all soothed their sore muscles in hot springs just south of Mammoth.
All in all, it was a memorable outing and an excellent example of the reinvigorated Outdoor Education program at the Upper Campus, now under the direction of new history teacher and outdoor education coordinator Zach Byars.
Although Mr. Byars had orchestrated a handful of base camping trips early in the school year, the four-day backpacking trip was special, given the weather conditions the campers faced and the bonding that took place.
“The students were all somewhat reserved at times, but they made the most of the situation,” said Mr. Byars, who arrived at OVS this year after a career as a river guide and swift water rescue instructor. “By and large, they were participants and had smiles on their faces throughout different challenges.”
Accompanied by Assistant Head of School Craig Floyd, the backpackers endured a great variety of weather, including a blustery snowstorm that swiftly moved in and gave the group and early taste of winter.
The extreme conditions did not break their spirits, however.
Instead, the weather served as a catalyst for the group’s strong connection. Sophomore Lucy Orgolini remembers huddling together as snow fell overhead – a bonding moment for the campers.
“I was sitting outside with a great group of people from the trip,” Lucy said. “Our headlamps cast this beautiful glow on the delicate snowflakes falling from the sky. It really became apparent just how much everyone wanted to be there, and because of the group’s positive attitude through the different conditions, we became really close.”
While all eight campers are alums of the Lower Campus – known for its vigorous outdoor education program – this expedition showed them no mercy.
To senior Gavin Floyd, this trip was difficult not in terms of its requirements, but because of its emotional impact.
“The biggest challenge I personally had to overcome was accepting that this was one of the last trips I would undertake at the Ojai Valley School,” he said. “All the trips I have taken at the Lower and Upper campuses have prepared me for the weather and terrain that we encountered on this trip, but to be able to do this with great friends and my father made it that much more rewarding.”
However challenging the trip, one thing was sure: the views were incredible.
From hiking in freezing, snow-drenched boots to soaking up the sun in hot springs, the group experienced the full terrain of the east side of the Sierra Nevada.
Mr. Byars distinctly remembers the beauty of their campsite.
“We crossed over the creek and it opened up to this picturesque, crystal-clear bluish-green water,” he recalled. “The sun was out with the mountain behind it, and we knew that was home.”
