Blog

Student leaders, Jackie and Luke, filled us in on all things Student Led Week; What they did, where they went and the adventure that ensued!   "During the second week of November we embarked on the official Self Led week for the trip. In a traditional Pacific Discovery Self Led week, students must plan getting from one destination to another (Ours being Onalaska, WA to Crater Lake, OR) using a budget.  We had been anticipating these dates for many weeks with many group… Read more

With only a few weeks left of program, Western Group A get stuck into forest exploration in Mount Rainier National Park, Halloween away from home, and self reflection.    "Our week as captains started off with a bang—the biggest grocery list this side of the Mississippi. We were on our way to the Mount Rainier Institute, an organization within the University of Washington located in Pack Forest and would be far away from a grocery store for the entire week. After visit… Read more

This week we hear from students Alex and Kayla, as they make their way to the coast!    "We began our week as captains with a long drive from Coeur d'alene, Idaho to Oak Harbor, Washington. On the way to Oak Harbor, we stopped in Seattle to visit the first ever REI, complete with a massive fireplace and outdoor waterfall. For lunch, Pacific Discovery treated everyone to Dick’s, Nathan’s favourite burger spot in town. Eventually we arrived at the Coachman Inn where near… Read more

The adventure is only halfway through, as Western USA Group A reach the mid-program mark in Missoula, MT! Students Eric and Lauren fill us in on what they've been up to in the last couple of weeks!   "We started off our week in Missoula jumping right into some conservation work with our guide, Porter. Our first task was to build stairs into a really steep trail leading up to a local climbing crag, and even though it was cold and a little bit rainy, we were able to warm… Read more

Western Group A work their way north as they pass through Yellowstone in Wyoming, onto Missoula, Montana. Find out what they got up to in between...   "Our group started this week with a drive to Yellowstone National Park. We were finally leaving our campsite and although we had a lot of fun, I think all of us were ready for a hot shower and a bed. Our drive to Yellowstone was about 2 hours and when we got there, we waited for the Old Faithful Geyser to go off. I think… Read more

Earlier this semester our Western USA programs headed south from Boulder, CO to explore the magic red rocks of the west! Arches National Park struck a cord with one of students and for good reason, check out her sketch from the iconic arch!        Read more

Mountain biking, camping, wildlife and so much more! We're convinced that after reading this update you'll be itching to go on an outdoor adventure.   Current student, Bennett, gives us an update on the latest from Western USA Group A...   "The one word I would use to describe this week is growth. We grew intellectually, physically, mentally, spiritually, and overall we grew as a group. This was fueled by the challenges we faced, our willingness to persevere through … Read more

Let's catch up with one of our students Maggie, after a couple weeks on the road!   "We began our journey in Boulder, CO, where we became familiarized with each other and went through a fun and very educational orientation led by our knowledgeable leaders, Nathan and Amelia. Our time in Boulder allowed all of us students to set the foundation for the trip, lay out our personal and group goals, and develop a set of rules in which we all should follow throughout the dura… Read more