Written By Sherry Wu (Class of 2030) and Sophia Heimberg (Class of 2029)
Photos by Elisa Li (Class of 2031) and Alysha Seng (Class of 2028)

On March 27th, 2026, our group of DVGS girls drove an hour and a half to Camp Mendocino. The camp is located inside a redwood forest in Northern California, surrounded by massive trees and fresh air. Being there felt calm and a lot different from our normal, busy routines. Camp Mendocino, run by the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Francisco, is designed to help students spend time outdoors, try new things, and connect with each other. 

When we arrived, we settled into our cabins and took time to get organized. After unpacking, we enjoyed a lunch of soup, sandwiches, and fries. Later in the afternoon, we explored the campgrounds, surrounded by towering redwoods and open spaces that provided a relaxing environment to gather and connect. That evening, dinner featured a build-your-own meal with tortillas, rice, beans, and vegetables, offering a variety of options for everyone. As the day came to a close, students began to open up, engaging in conversations, sharing laughter, and embracing the change of scenery. The night concluded with a cozy campfire, where we roasted marshmallows and dried persimmons, creating a memorable and enjoyable end to the day.

The second day was filled with a variety of engaging activities. Students had the opportunity to participate in archery, hiking, and a ropes course that included ziplining. Archery proved to be more challenging than expected, requiring both patience and concentration. For many, the highlight of the day was the zipline. Although it was a first-time experience for several students and initially met with some nervousness, it quickly became one of the most exciting and memorable parts of the trip. In addition, we took part in a guided hike through the forest, allowing us to observe the natural environment more closely. Along the way, we identified different plants and appreciated the calm, peaceful surroundings. Throughout our stay, we met many dedicated staff members who supported and guided us. To express our gratitude, we wrote thank-you cards and created small gifts for them.

Throughout the trip, we spent a great deal of time together, allowing us to build stronger connections and get to know one another better. Whether we were sharing meals, participating in activities, or simply spending time together, we formed new friendships and strengthened existing ones. Exploring the camp remained one of the most engaging aspects, as there was always something new to discover.

Overall, the trip to Camp Mendocino was both enjoyable and meaningful. It provided us with the opportunity to try new experiences, step outside of our comfort zones, and grow closer as a group. We look forward to the opportunity to participate in another camping trip next year and create even more lasting memories together.

Thank you to everyone who helped make this trip possible, including Ms. Kit, Ms. Wang and her mother for being our chaperones, the wonderful staff at Camp Mendocino, and anyone else who had helped take pictures for the wonderful trip!

*This trip is made possible by the American Youth Services Grant moderated by the Community Foundation of Mendocino County.