• Family Weekend: Aug 19-21, 2016
  • Family Weekend 2016
  • Yosemite National Park: Crane Flat and Yosemite Valley

WildLink alumni from all over California gathered their family and friends together for a weekend in Yosemite filled with games, laughter and spectacular views.

Families arrived Friday evening to NatureBridge's campus at Crane Flat. Some families camped out in tents while others enjoyed the warm cabins. Luckily, the nighttime temperatures were cool but not too cold, so those camping outside were able to sleep comfortably under the stars.

Early Saturday morning, families and friends gathered in the dining hall for a quick breakfast before loading into the busses and heading down into Yosemite Valley. Once in the valley, one group headed to the infamous Spider Caves and then to the river to cool off, while the other group gathered their strength for a challenge hike on the Upper Yosemite Falls trail.

After a full day of adventures in Yosemite Valley, it was time to return "home" to Crane Flat and enjoy showers, games and delicious s'mores around the campfire. Happy and spooky stories were exchanged around the glowing fire and laughs could be heard from miles away!

Sunday morning was peaceful and quiet. Families packed up their gear, loaded their cars and began their journeys home. Gratitude for Yosemite and for the WildLink program filled the air and memories were brought back to Los Angeles, Martinez, Reedley and other parts of California.

See you next year!

spider cave

Emerging from the Spider Caves! What a relief to emerge from the darkness into the light surrounded by beautiful views and the people you love!

Spider Cave

WildLink student in training, Rosie handled the Spider Cave like a champion and even helped to guide others through the darkness.

spider cave

One more emerges from the cave!

meadow

Some families in this group painted beautiful pictures of Half Dome and the meadow pictured here.

meadow time

Heading towards the river!

river time

Much needed cooling off time was spent in the mighty Merced River

yosemite falls

Working our way up towards Yosemite Falls and finding places to take it easy in the shade.

river

More river time!

yosemite falls

Nick and Karina take in the massive and spectacular views from the Upper Yosemite Falls trail

yosemite falls

What could be better than a view like this!

yosemite falls

The group made it with time to spare, proving WildLink friends and families are strong and adventurous!

mom and rosie

Enjoying a pleasant walk around the valley

spider cave

A group photo in the depths and darkness of the Spider Caves

games

Game night round two! Juno and Jenga captivated this crew

games

Thumbs up for Family Weekend!

campfire

Building the campfire for an evening of stories and s'mores

campfire

Thank you to all our WildLink families and friends who came out to enjoy Family Weekend 2016. We can't wait to do it all over again next year!

WildLink is a proud partner of the National Park Service, National Forest Service, and Nature Bridge.