This spring, students from Upper Columbia Academy’s (UCA) marine biology class headed out on a four-day field trip in Western Washington.

Making their headquarters at Rosario (the Walla Walla College Biological Field Station near Anacortes, Wash.), they were able to explore several other fascinating places as well. Their activities included beach transects in Deception Pass State Park and studies at the Padilla Bay Research Center. By taking a ferry to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island, they were able to go tidepooling at Eagle Cove and visit the Lime Kiln Lighthouse to observe orca vocalization studies. In Friday Harbor, they attended a class at the Whale Museum and enjoyed a special picnic at a park near the marina. On the final day, they visited the Seattle Aquarium.

A special part of the trip was spending evenings around the campfire on the beach. The last night, especially, was a time for worship and reflection, including the opportunity to write a prayer to God in their journals. “It was very gratifying to watch the students’ reaction to things,” says Gayle Haeger, UCA biology teacher and organizer of this annual trip. “They heard the whales communicating and learned that each pod actually has its own language. Some of them saw sea otters at play. They were fascinated by how the little fish were camouflaged, and they were inspired by some of the most gorgeous sunsets. Many of them expressed awe over seeing the variety God had created and realizing He had done it for them.”