What Mountain Classroom Teaches Us About Growth

Annie MacKenzie and I arrived in warm Tucson, Arizona on Thursday night just in time for a pink and orange sunset. After we drove down the winding desert road to Gilbert Ray Campground, we were greeted with excited energy and big hugs. Students had come off solos not long before and they had many stories to share. Dinner was ready for us and we partook in the 5 minute handwashing and “Peace and Chow” routines. Both rituals are just one of many that exist in their structured lives on Mountain. After a delicious meal in the dark, we ended with an evening meeting which was led by the Leader of the Day (LOD), Sedona. The group gives feedback to one another, appreciations, ownerships, and apologies, and the “Content Creator” reads the journal of the day aloud. They also spin the job wheel and discuss logistics for the next day. Everybody has a job and that allows the group to function smoothly. They take these jobs seriously, and it has helped them understand their impact on the larger group. The coyotes settled us all into bed with their wild calls under a bright winter moon.

On Friday, Annie and I brought very excited kids into Tucson to do laundry and take a shower at the YMCA. We helped students with their homework, planning ahead, and reading articles. The sandwiches made in the parking lot of Cool Cat Laundry tasted decadent after spending the morning waiting for clothes to dry. When we got to the YMCA, to say the kids were happy to take a “real” shower is an understatement. It was a great reminder for us all to be appreciative of the little things, such as warm water and shampoo. The students had pulled a “get a cheap meal/treat” card in their “Chaos” deck the night before at evening meeting, so we hustled over to get ice cream at Screamery downtown. After a long day doing chores and cleaning, we headed home for a late dinner and evening meeting. This had been the first day students were without their fearless leaders, Emi and Ted, but Annie and I were impressed with how they rose to the occasion. They lead with confidence, kindness, and laughter.

Saturday morning, we rose early to eat breakfast and head to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which is a bucket list location for anyone traveling nearby. This mostly outdoor, scenic museum was filled with beautiful cacti and succulents, education, and many animals such as javelinas and ocelots. We also observed the raptor show, where trainers maneuvered Chihuahuan Ravens, Great Horned Owls, Caracaras, and Harris Hawks from branch to branch. Some of us were even lucky enough to feel the breeze of their wings as they flew past just inches away. For many, this was the highlight of a wonderful day, and for people like Lilah, Levi Cian, and Emily, it was the sting ray exhibit. Truly, what stole everyone’s heart, though, was the otter who swam, flipped, and tumbled around for us. After the raptor show, we had about another hour to mosey on back to the bus, so some students went to the aviary, some to the hummingbird exhibit and others to the gift shop. At the end of that excursion, Hadley and Emily presented us with lunch, which was a delicious chicken caesar wrap. They even taught me how to shape my tortilla into a cone for more efficient snacking. Clearly, they are seasoned experts! 

That wasn’t the end of our fun for the day. After that it was TOWN TIME! We drove straight into downtown Tucson, where students were allowed to roam 4th avenue, with a partner, of course. Students got some funny hats from Hippie Gypsy, lovely crystals from Tucson Mineral and Gem World, and others tested out their mixing skills at a pop-up DJ lesson. After some money spent and memories gained, we all met to walk to Boca, a Mexican restaurant recommended to us by Eloise’s mom, Selina. There, we gouged ourselves on delicious tacos and burritos while also presenting our shopping hauls and sharing our “rose, bud, and thorns” of the day. It was clear that while they all enjoyed plugging back into the “real world,” it was time to get back to the ease of basecamp, after some Dairy Queen, of course. Another night under the full moon and coyote yippings lulled us to bed.

Sunday was our lazy, reset day. After a late 9:30 AM brunch cooked by me and Annie, we spent the rest of the day resetting. From sunbathing to reading homework aloud and henna, the group partook in some rest and relaxation. It was a wonderful way to ease into phone calls home, which brought a mix of emotions, but mostly content in knowing that all is well at home and families are wishing them well. The end of phone calls home marked the beginning of dinner, which Evan and Nina made. It was a delicious falafel-based meal that had decadent flavors. There had been some nervousness from our chefs about not having enough food, but they pulled together a fantastic meal. It was a lesson learned for them to pay more attention to detail while grocery shopping. Cian and Sedona made sure to clean the dishes in style, requesting I play Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon from start to finish. We got through a song or two before they finished, but it was certainly a memory gained. 

That night, we finished with our evening meeting led by Levi where we did our usual share, but we also pulled our Angel Cards. These cards, introduced to Mountain Classroom by Annie – a former Mountain Classroom instructor – all have a word on them. The LOD has everyone pick a card and ask it how it relates to the question they ask. Levi prompted us by asking, “How does this letter relate to your day today?” Everyone took a second to think and brought forth some very thoughtful reflections. My card said “Sisterhood, Brotherhood,” and I thought it was perfect given the day we had just had. A day spent at our “home” meant they were able to act as family members. They helped each other with chores, completed homework together, cleaned the house, had silly little arguments and reconciliations, and played games. I shared that thought and urged them to recognize and appreciate how amazing their group was in that very moment and how much it will continue to grow. 

My hope, which I relayed to them, is that they remember and cherish those friendships as they move forward and eventually step back into life at Proctor. What they have gone through together can never be replicated; it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Speaking of experiences, that night I had a spooky moment of having multiple people circle around my tent trying to scare me. I have my suspicions based on who I may have pulled some tricks on earlier. I went to bed that night with one eye open and the biggest smile on my face. It had been a full and joyous weekend. The next morning, I rose to a beautiful last sunrise in the desert with pink painted clouds and sun streaks peaking out from behind the mountain, along with Isabella cooking breakfast in her new shark costume and Cian in his umbrella hat.

As Annie and I left Mountain Classroom we reflected on how special that experience was. For Annie, it was deeply meaningful seeing the traditions of Mountain Classroom existing all these years later, and for me, it was being witness to the peculiarity of this program.

Mountain Classroom allows our students to be their fullest selves, excited about their daily jobs, proud of their group dynamic, and embraced for their goofiness. I saw vulnerability when at evening meetings they’d give apologies, kindness when they’d help out with a job they weren’t assigned, pride when they cooked a delicious meal, and love when one of them wasn’t feeling their best. While life may appear complicated for them out there on the road, it realistically is very simple, and that creates a safe environment for them to evolve. 
~ Amanda Hatfield, Learning Specialist

To me, Mountain Classroom is a glimpse at how life should be – working in and caring for our community while stewarding the land we live on. I couldn’t be more proud of these kids for the work they are doing with Emi and Ted’s expert guidance. I wish them well on the rest of their adventures!

Read More Reflections from Mountain Classroom