Post by Seattle Academy

During our recent 5-day excursion to Smith Rock, Oregon, 7th and 8th graders put resilience, agency, and critical thinking to the test. Under the expert facilitation of our faculty and the Chockstone Climbing Guides, students navigated the rugged high desert, moving seamlessly from technical climbing at Spiderman Buttress to learning the region’s ecology and history at the High Desert Museum. Whether they were tackling the challenging scramble over Asterisk Pass, mastering new belay techniques, or working toward personal goals like "pushing myself to try something difficult at least three times," our students were constantly engaged in the process of defining their own potential. Beyond the rock face, the trip was a blend of adventure and discovery. We are incredibly proud of this group for their courage, and of our faculty for designing an experience that turns rugged terrain into a dynamic classroom.