Grades 5–8 students from Trout Creek Adventist School and Mountain View Christian School recently embarked on an unforgettable hands-on history adventure through Idaho and Washington. Their journey began at Treaty Rock in Post Falls, Idaho, where students took a short walk to view a historical signature on the rock—a powerful reminder of the treaty made with a native tribe in that region.

Next, the group traveled to Palouse Falls, where the roaring waters and rainbow mist offered not just breathtaking scenery, but a valuable lesson in geology. Students marveled at how natural forces shaped the landscape around them.

The heart of the trip centered in Walla Walla, Washington, where students spent several days immersed in history and campus life. Tuesday’s visit to Fort Walla Walla gave students a vivid look into 19th-century life through period-style homes and businesses. The Trailblazers explored the fort grounds and gained a deeper understanding of what life might have been like for early settlers in the region.

From there, the group moved on to the Whitman Mission, a sobering and informative experience where students helped set up a tepee and learned about the tragic events that unfolded there—events that had a lasting impact on U.S. and Native American relations.

Walla Walla University warmly welcomed the students with open arms. After enjoying time at the university’s pool and rock climbing wall, Wednesday began with a hearty breakfast in the cafeteria and a worship thought from Montana native Darin Wilkens. A campus tour organized by Mindy Coleman, followed, with engaging presentations from multiple departments. A highlight for many students was the engineering tour, which included an up-close look at the specialties within the field. One 8th-grade student was inspired to declare, “I think I would like to be a bioengineer,” reflecting just how influential the experience was.

After a delicious lunch, Professor Jefre Humbert from the Product and Design department led students through hands-on creative projects and showcased current university student work—an eye-opening experience that broadened perspectives on college possibilities.

Later, Professor Kraig Scott welcomed the group into his piano and organ performance class. Students were fascinated by the music and especially enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the organ pipes. Crawling beneath the pipes to hear the deepest and highest notes was a moment of awe, filled with gasps and exclamations of “That is so cool!”

The evenings offered more fun with rock climbing and swimming, capping off full days of learning and connection.

Before returning to Montana on Thursday, the group stopped at the Sacajawea Interpretive Center near Pasco, Washington. A museum scavenger hunt brought history to life one last time, reinforcing key learning in a fun and engaging way.

A huge thank you goes to the Grondahl family, our gracious hosts in Walla Walla, who prepared delicious home-cooked meals and packed lunches for the entire group. Their hospitality helped make this journey both comfortable and memorable.

From historic sites to university inspiration, this trip left a lasting impression on our Trailblazers—opening hearts and minds to the past, present, and future.