Grade 7 embarked on its annual national parks trip last week, experiencing the natural beauty and history of some of the country’s most picturesque spots. The trip started in Arizona, where each bus group hiked through Sedona. The following day, the group trekked to one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, the Grand Canyon. On day three, students headed to Mystery Valley to learn about the history of the Navajo people, particularly their relationship to the U.S. military and their ongoing fight to preserve their culture. Navajo historian Wally Brown shared some important aspects of the culture with students, such as the importance of the number 4, which is represented by the four seasons, the four cardinal directions and the first four Navajo clans, among other things.

On the journey to Utah’s Bryce Canyon, the students stopped at the Glen Canyon Dam to learn about the benefits afforded by the dam as well as the problems it posed. During a stop at the Pink Coral Sand Dunes, the students had a great time running up and down the face of the dunes. At Bryce Canyon the next day, the students enjoyed a full-day hike, taking in the spectacular views. The students’ final stop was Zion National Park, famous for its red cliffs.