It’s almost time for the spring AWE trip and Co-Director Phoebe Dameron and her team are immersed in planning. Students are preparing as well – those who are not currently doing a sport are in PE classes twice a week and all are gathering clothing, boots and other personal items that they will need on the trail. Athenian provides things like backpacks, sleeping bags and group cooking equipment. And — of course — lots and lots of food.

“We are ordering hundreds of pounds of food and packing hundreds of pounds of food,” Phoebe says.

Meals for 50 students can get complicated with food allergies, but planning ahead makes it possible to meet dietary needs. 

A total of 14 instructors will lead 5 groups of 10 students as they follow previous routes in the Death Valley National Park. “Following the same routes allows us to know what kinds of elements we might encounter and how to manage those safely,” Phoebe says.

There is plenty of work to do in the office, but Phoebe can’t wait to get back outside. “The best part of our job is to be out there, so that’s what excites me every time.”