Provided by Eva Trujillo

Juniors Eva Trujillo, center, and Emitis Malek, right, spent a week at New Horizons Outdoor Environmental camp as counselors for fifth graders. She describes the experience in this account.

One dewy March morning, a dozen high school students lined up outside of Bancroft Elementary School in Walnut Creek for only one reason: to guide herds of elementary school students on their journey of learning about the outdoors. Their role as cabin leaders would become an integral part of the lives of the fifth-graders.

While it may seem like any high schooler has the opportunity of going on this trip, that is not the case. Each and every student who believes themselves fit to serve as a cabin leader must apply and be interviewed. Each student is checked and evaluated to make sure that they will be a good fit to the experience; after all, it’s vital that every elementary school child has a good time.

Northgate students applied and were selected this school year as counselors for not only Bancroft, but also Walnut Acres and Valle Verde in Walnut Creek, and Highlands Elementary School in Concord. Selection comes with a small price: high school students must complete missed work; however, teachers seem to be flexible about this and understand the value of this experience.

Here is an account from junior Eva Trujillo, who spent a week away from Northgate as a counselor:

Upon arrival at Bancroft Elementary, students were able to learn their cabin. Each cabin had a nature-related name, something along the lines of “Monterey” or “Carmel”. This allowed for the kids to relate to their cabins, perhaps they had been to “Monterey” or “Carmel”.

The long and tedious drive to Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Environmental Camp, located near Santa Cruz, left the children exhausted, allowing for the high school cabin counselors a moment of peace.

At dinner time, a strategic plan was executed: cabin leaders had to set up, bring food, and clean up, all while the fifth-graders sat. This way, less chaos would be possible. Dinner was a combination of vegetables, protein, and carbs, allowing for each individual to consume a healthy and balanced meal.  

Nighttime was an event in itself. Filled with queues of excited children ready for bed, it was evident that the fun had only yet begun. Every night, the children were read a bedtime story, ensuring them a goodnight’s sleep.

Each day had an exciting plan, whether that be a beach day or a day in the woods. “Going on hikes and to the beach were therapeutic and a great way to clear my mind after a long year,” said senior Naomi Lee, a counselor. 

The days of a high school teen are long and hard, moments such as these allow for a sense of relaxation. Days spent with fifth-graders allow for stressed out teens to relax and heal their inner child.

Outdoor education provided each individual with a sense of self-loving through the use of art, food, adventures, and song. At the end, the elementary school kids were able to express their gratitude in letter form. These words have a special place in each camp-counselor’s heart. 

Outdoor environmental camps welcome fifth graders – and the high school counselors –  every year, and it is an experience one will never forget at any age. The beauty of the Redwoods, combined with the sheer variety of adventures is a pleasure to experience. If such a task peaks your interest, please apply when given the chance. 

Trust me, you will not regret it.