This past month, Elite students went to four in-person events with Adventure Lead Tom Olson. You can learn more about him here.
If you didn’t get to enjoy some of these events, here’s a recap of how they went. If you did attend, see if you can spot yourself in any of these photos!
Don’t worry, we have A LOT of fun adventure field trips planned for this school year! Our next trips will be November 17th and 18th and will include one more hike and a trip to the Pali Institute. If you’re interested in attending, you can register through the calendar event on ParentSquare or ask your Elite Teacher!
Oceanside Harbor Beach Day
One of our student’s favorite aspects of Elite is the flexibility in their learning. So, if we wanted to declare, say, September 23 a beach day, we can! Over a dozen Elite families and several staff members gathered in Oceanside for an afternoon of sunshine and fun times!
Our group convened under a big gazebo, looking over flyers for future events that are happening this fall – we would love to see you at one or all of those outings! Families got to know one another face to face–many for the first time. Students from all three academies were present, from high schoolers to toddlers. We enjoyed some beach volleyball matches and yard games.
Beach Day Photos
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California Surf Museum
While the surf was small at the beach, the learning was barreling in at the California Surf Museum! Four Elite families met Mr. Olson at the California Surf Museum in Oceanside to explore the collection of boards that are on display. This museum has a fantastic exhibit on wave energy, as well as an impressive display of boards that explain the progression of innovations that shaped the sport into modern surfing. This docent-led tour gave our students an in-depth look at wave forecasting and material sciences, and also explained how California has been the epicenter for improvements to surfboard design. Many of the boards on display are one-of-a-kind! Students even got to hold a tiger shark jaw; the same kind of shark that attacked Bethany Hamilton in 2003 (remember the film Soul Surfer?). Her half-bitten surfboard and bathing suit are also on display at the museum. Interested in learning more? Consider enrolling in Introduction to Surfing next semester!
California Surf Museum Photos
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Blue Sky Ecological Reserve
Elite families spent a beautiful Saturday morning exploring the trails of Blue Sky Ecological Reserve with Mr. Olson and Mrs. Marcon. A thunderstorm passed through the night before, refreshing the soil and bringing a burst of life to the forest for our hike.
Students spotted an Acorn Woodpecker in the live oak, a California Sister butterfly in a bush, and identified over 10 different native plants! This easy hike was enjoyed by over 15 family members and staff – a great opportunity for everyone to connect and enjoy nature together.
Blue Sky Ecological Reserve Photos
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Mount Woodson – Potato Chip Rock
Elite staff and families made the trek up Mount Woodson last Saturday to catch the sunset and get a photo from the infamous Potato-chip Rock.
The hike began on the east side of the mountain as the group explored different pine trees, mountain mahogany, manzanita and Mojave yucca. A thick marine layer began moving in as the hikers made their way to the summit, cloaking the foothills in fog. The group kept climbing and was elated to behold a sea of clouds below the summit, creating an illusion as if they had climbed a mighty mountain in the Sierras.
Proof of the adventure was captured as our students and staff got their pictures taken atop Potato-chip Rock during the golden hour – a memorable and beautiful way to say adios to Señor Sol.
Mount Woodson Hike Photos
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