Written by Community Liaison Susan Curnow Breedlove and French/ESL Teacher Allyson Esades
A group of 32 travelers including five staff, one parent and 26 students from all grades and language classes, spent Spring break, March 30 to April 8, on a journey planned by the World Language Department of Camden High. The goal of this trip, according to primary planner Ms. Esades, was “to take our students on an educational journey, making the world their classroom.”
Preparation for such a venture began in 2023 with the leadership of Ms. Escades. Travelers met every month of this school year to discuss passport applications, health forms, packing tips, money questions and emergency contacts. Some of the students received an Ann Bancroft Grant. Most were very visible at Camden High fundraisings to get travel money by selling popcorn, chocolate and wrapping paper.
The group covered many miles and experienced many sites going through Canada and to France, Spain and Barcelona in 10 days. This was their itinerary:
- The travelers arrived at the Mpls. St. Paul Airport at 5:30 a.m. on March 30. There was a layover in Montréal and the group arrived in Paris on March 31. In Paris the group saw the Place de la Concorde, the Champs-Élysées, the Arc de Triomphe, Les Invalides and the Eiffel Tower.
- On April 2 the group left Paris and traveled through the countryside of Loire Valley with its castles and visited the Château de Chenonceau.
- On April 3 the group took a walking tour of the sand Dune du Pilat and also toured the beach town of Biarritz.
- April 4 the group made it to Spain. The group took a walking tour of the seaside town San Sebastián, saw the beautiful views up on Monte Urgull and took a guided tour of the once “Roman” city of Pamplona.
- On April 5 the group made it to the autonomous Spanish city Barcelona.
- On April 6 the group toured Barcelona attractions including the church La Sagrada Família, Park Güell and Castle Montjuïc.
- On April 8 the group boarded the plane, with a layover in Toronto, and landed in Minneapolis at 10 p.m.
Travelers were asked three questions after their trip: What was your favorite part of the trip? How would you improve the trip for next time? What is one memory you will have forever? The following are some of their responses:
-“My favorite part was our amazing tour director Michael. He was a very interesting person who was always willing to help while also teaching us about the places we were.” Jace, 12th grade
-“My favorite part was being with all the different types of people who went on the trip, and making friends with people I never would’ve thought to try and be friends with before this trip.” Lyn, 9th grade
-“One memory I will have forever is eating gelato on the beach! And the bike tour of Barcelona (shout out to Nacho)!” Juna, 12th grade
-“My favorite part was shopping at a vintage flea market.” Trisha, 12th grade
Ms. Esades summarizes the value of this memorable trip stating, “Travel is an education in itself. Travelers learned about themselves and about the world around them as they had unforgettable adventures.”