By Hogan Webb
Staff Writer
Mira Costa students had the opportunity to immerse in nature and relive their childhood as a counselor at the Malibu Outdoor Science School.
This year, eligible Mira Costa students spent five days in Malibu from March 9-13 as cabin leaders for sixth grade students.
“I think this is a really great leadership experience,” sophomore Bridger Hart said. “Watching over multiple 6th graders is no easy task and has definitely helped me mature.”
According to the Malibu Outdoor Science School website, students have the opportunity to learn about the ecosystems, including the parts of an ecosystem, how those parts interact with one another and how humans interact with ecosystems.
“The students are constantly did new hands on activities to help them get a better understanding of nature and how everything interacts,” senior Jack Heagy said. “For example the students walked down to the beach and learned about how intertidal ecosystems function.”
Cabin leaders have several responsibilities such as time management and ensuring the wellbeing of the student. They were also responsible for the campers behavior and safety.
“We had to make sure that everyone in our cabin was awake on time so we wouldn’t be late to our day groups,” Bridger Hart said. “We also have to make sure everyone was in bed by a certain time.”
Every day, the cabin leaders and their students participated in different activities with their day groups such as hiking ‘ice cream hill’, observing Newts in their natural habitat and walking down to the tide pools.
“The day activities are extremely fun. Not only did we learn interesting things, its just a blast to be out with your friends and some wacky 6th graders,” Bridger Hart said.
Every day after dinner, the campers participated in night activities such as night hikes, bonfires and a dance party in the recreational room.
“Night activities were one of my favorite things about the trip. It was awesome being in a place that is far away from the busy city and all of the lights. I really liked making a skit with my cabin to perform at the dance.” senior Carson Hart said.
According to the Hermosa Valley School website, you must be a graduate of Hermosa Valley School who attended Malibu Outdoor Science School to be eligible to be a counselor. You must also turn in an application to the Hermosa Valley sixth grade science department.
“Malibu was a unique experience,” Carson Hart said. “The 6th graders really look up to me and respect me and its cool to get that appreciation.”
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