Outdoor Trips

At Westside, outdoor and experiential learning trips in both the fall and spring are a cornerstone of the middle school experience. These shared experiences support student growth, deepen relationships, and encourage learning beyond the classroom. We are excited to share that Spring Trips are scheduled for May 18–21, 2026.

2026 Spring Trips

8th Grade Graduation Trip: Our 8th graders will continue the tradition of a special graduation trip. They will stay at a lodge to celebrate and reflect on their time at Westside, engage in communal activities like cooking meals together, and enjoy some final outdoor adventures as a community.

5th-7th Grade Choice-Based Trips: Similar to last year, students in 5th–7th grade will have the opportunity to choose from a range of spring trip options in mixed-grade groups. Based on positive feedback from last year, we are excited to continue this choice-based model. The Spring Trips Catalog outlines five different trip options with varying locations and areas of focus, including backpacking, tent camping, and cabin-based programs. While each trip is unique, all emphasize interdisciplinary, experiential learning with strong outdoor components, giving students the opportunity to learn through hands-on, real-world experiences.

Spring Trip Catalog

8TH GRADE GRADUATION RETREAT

LOCATION	Ariel, Washington
TRIP OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING	Students will be staying at Anderson Lodge in Ariel, Washington, near Mount St. Helens. The goal of the retreat is for students to reflect on their time at Westside, acknowledge the end of one journey, and celebrate the start of another as they look ahead to high school. Students will share their own talents and skills as they lead a series of activities that they have been planning for each other. In addition, student groups will be taking turns cooking meals for the entire group. During the week, the group will leave the lodge for an adventurous hike through the Ape Cave lava tube or a forest trail (for those feeling a little claustrophobic!) and other local exploration. The retreat culminates with the final campfire night, which includes some very special 8th-grade traditions.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS	Students will sleep in the lodge's bunk rooms.
TRANSPORTATION	Westside buses and rental minivans.
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS	No specialized gear is needed for this trip. Like always, students will need a sleeping bag and rain gear.
TRIP LEADER & STAFFING	Allison Breeze (7/8 Science Teacher) will be the trip leader and will be accompanied by 3-4 other 8th grade teachers as chaperones.
GRADES	8th Grade Only

BACKPACKING & OUTDOOR SKILLS

LOCATION	Baker Lake Trail, WA
TRIP OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING	This will be a small-group, multi-night backpacking adventure along the Baker Lake Trail near the base of Mt. Baker in Washington. Groups will hike a total of 14 miles over the course of the trip with very little elevation change. Students can expect to spend the day hiking, playing trail games, observing natural phenomena, and bonding with peers. This trip serves as an introduction to overnight backcountry travel and complements the skills and experiences from previous tent-camping trips. The group will have access to pit toilets and will use water filters for drinking and handwashing. Students will learn how to set up a campsite, cook outdoors, read trail maps, and have an opportunity to be fully immersed in the backcountry. The goals of the trip are to develop increased self-awareness, practice outdoor skills, and cultivate a sense of joy in nature.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS	Students will sleep in tent groups. The group will camp at a different site along the trail each night.
TRANSPORTATION	Rental minivans.
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS	Students will need some specialty backpacking items, including a backpacking pack, well-fitting hiking boots, and lightweight camping gear. A detailed packing list will be shared, and Westside can provide supplemental gear as needed.
TRIP LEADER & STAFFING	Catey Juravich (Dir. of Teaching & Learning) will be the trip leader, accompanied by Westside faculty and additional field instructors.
GRADES	This trip is open to 6th and 7th graders.

CHALLENGE & LEADERSHIP CAMP

LOCATION	YMCA Camp Colman in Longbranch, WA
TRIP OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING	This trip will be based out of YMCA Camp Colman in Longbranch, WA, on the Key Peninsula. The camp is located on a lagoon adjacent to the Puget Sound. During their 4-day stay at Camp Colman, students will have opportunities to develop teamwork and initiative-building skills through the camp’s challenge and ropes courses. Throughout other physical challenges, students will work on leadership skills, problem-solving, and collaborative planning. Students will also learn basic outdoor skills, such as orienteering and water/boating safety. There will also be choice time each day, along with opportunities for group games, gaga ball, the climbing wall, and other fun camp activities. Camp Colman instructors will lead daily lessons and activities, and will be supported by Westside faculty. Students will sleep in cabins with bathrooms and showers, and eat meals in the dining hall.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS	Students will sleep in bunk beds in waterfront cabins, in mixed-grade-level groups, with running water and bathrooms.
TRANSPORTATION	Rental bus pick-up and drop-off at Camp Colman.
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS	No specialized gear is needed for this trip. Like always, students will need a sleeping bag and rain gear.
TRIP LEADER & STAFFING	Jaime Anongos (MS Dean, Math Teacher) will be the trip leader, joined by other Westside faculty and Camp Colman staff.
GRADES	This trip is open to 5th-7th graders.

ROCK CLIMBING & GEOLOGY

LOCATION	Vantage, WA
TRIP OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING	This trip will spend the week camping in tents while exploring central Washington, including learning outdoor rock climbing. Rock climbing is a sport that relies heavily on trusting those around you. The group will focus on communication skills, goal setting, and decision-making. The unique landscape of Dry Falls State Park and Vantage, WA, will also allow our students a glimpse into the geologic history of Washington State. Students will be learning about some of the unique landscape features of this part of our state and how they formed. On hikes in between climbing sessions, students will get to experience these cool parts of Washington State history up close! The group will have access to basic campground bathrooms with running water and flush toilets. Groups will stay together in a large group for some activities and break into small groups for lessons like climbing and hiking. This trip is supported and led by the YMCA Boys and Girls Outdoor Leadership Development (BOLD and GOLD) program.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS	Students will sleep in tent groups at an established campground with bathroom facilities.
TRANSPORTATION	YMCA minibuses.
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS	Like always, students will need a sleeping bag and rain gear. Footwear for hiking is also necessary. All specialty climbing gear is provided by the YMCA, though students are welcome to bring their own climbing shoes if they have them.
TRIP LEADER & STAFFING	Sigrid Brunet (5th Humanities Teacher) will be the trip leader and will be joined by other Westside faculty and YMCA outdoor educators.
GRADES	This trip is open to 5th-7th graders.

DECEPTION PASS: WHALES AND TRAILS

LOCATION	Cornet Bay Retreat Center, Deception Pass
TRIP OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING	Students will travel to Deception Pass, at the north end of Whidbey Island. There, they will have the chance to explore a new part of Puget Sound through day hikes, beach walks, and other outdoor activities. Students will also be working with Jeff Hogan of Killer Whale Tales, who brings his experience as an orca researcher to teach students about Southern Resident Killer Whales, incorporating real research into learning about the whales, their habits and culture, and the threats to their ecosystem. At Cornet Bay Retreat Center, downtime options include volleyball, basketball, and other activities, both outdoors and indoors. Meals will be prepared by Westside Staff and eaten in the dining hall.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS	Students will sleep in beds in mixed-grade level cabins with running water and bathrooms.
TRANSPORTATION	Rental bus pick-up and drop-off at camp.
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS	No specialized gear is needed for this trip. Students will need a sleeping bag, rain gear, and hiking footwear.
TRIP LEADER & STAFFING	Pete Kashevarof (MS Math Teacher) will be the trip leader and will be accompanied by 3-4 other Westside faculty as chaperones
GRADES	This trip is open to 5th-7th graders.

BIKEPACKING

LOCATION	Manchester State Park, Port Orchard
TRIP OVERVIEW & PROGRAMMING	This trip will be bike-based and adventurous! Students will spend the first day learning about bicycle maintenance from a local bike shop, including fixing a flat tire, staying safe on the road, and going on an afternoon ride around West Seattle. The following morning, they will ride from Westside to the Fauntleroy Ferry, cross the Sound, and ride to Manchester State Park, where they will be tent camping. Students will also get the opportunity to tour the NOAA Manchester Research Station and learn about the work they are doing with sustainable aquaculture, salmon conservation, and marine habitat restoration. Students should be comfortable riding a bike, but no specialized skills are required.
SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS	The first day will be at and around Westside, and students will return home for the night. The next two nights, students will be sleeping in tent groups at an established campground with bathroom facilities.
TRANSPORTATION	This trip will require pick-up and drop-off on day one. Students will be riding bikes (including on a ferry), with a support vehicle carrying most of the luggage.
GEAR CONSIDERATIONS	Students will need a bike and a well-fitted helmet for this trip. Gear rentals can be arranged. As always, a sleeping bag and rain gear will be necessary.
TRIP LEADER & STAFFING	Savanah Jordan (7th Grade Humanities Teacher) will be the trip leader, accompanied by additional Westside faculty.
GRADES	This trip is open to 5th-7th graders.

Outdoor and Experiential Education Program Goals

Community: Develop & strengthen relationships through shared community experiences
Personal Growth: Offer hands-on learning opportunities that encourage goal-setting, reflection, and personal development.
Exposure: Expose students to diverse opportunities in environmental and nature-based recreation.
Safety: Ensure a safe environment where students feel empowered to take risks and take on new challenges.
Health: Promote physical well-being by engaging students in new forms of movement and activity.
Confidence: Provide foundational opportunities for students to practice and build independence and take on increasing responsibility.