As a teacher at Tenaya Elementary School in Groveland California, (the closest school to Yosemite’s Highway 120 entrance) I’ve had the honor of taking many students on their first visit to Yosemite National Park.
Field trips are sponsored by the school, and welcomed and assisted by park employees. I will never forget the wonder, amazement and excitement that the students expressed on seeing El Capitan, Yosemite Falls and their laughter at being sprayed on the path to Bridalveil Fall. I have shared their enjoyment of walking through the Indian Village of the Ahwahnee and learning about Tribal history, eating lunch in Yosemite’s natural grandeur, and visiting the Yosemite Museum.
These are memories that will last a life time, for them, and for me.