08/20/2026
While a lot can change in three years, some things stay the same—like the memories made on a trip to Point Reyes National Seashore. 🌊☀️
Every spring, 9th grade students from Oakland’s Life Academy high school take a trip out to Point Reyes, staying at the Clem Miller Environmental Education Center, hiking to the beach, learning about marine science, and spending time with their classmates outdoors. Three years later, the same students return on the precipice of graduation, and reflect on what has changed within themselves and in their relationships, what remains the same, and what they will always remember from these trips.
These experiences are collaboratively planned by Oakland Goes Outdoors (OGO), which works in partnership with Oakland Unified School District to expand equitable access to outdoor learning for Oakland students, and PRNSA. We had the pleasure of joining Life Academy for a portion of both their 9th and 12th grade trips this year. Our senses play a powerful role in forming memories, so we asked the students which sights, sounds, smells, and feelings that will stick with them. Here's what they said!
We’re also grateful for support from the National Park Foundation's Field Science grant program. Together, we’re creating opportunities for more students to explore, learn, and connect in our national parks. 💚
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Description: A clip of students hiking in nature followed by clips of students speaking on-screen, alternating between 9th and 12th graders to highlight the similarities in their answers. The end thanks partners Oakland Goes Outdoors and Life Academy for visiting Point Reyes National Seashore.
