By Julie Ching
September 21-26, 2025, the 7th and 8th grade students of Paradise Adventist Elementary set out on their annual experiential learning adventure—affectionately known as the “Wagon Trip.” This unforgettable journey took them through picturesque landscapes near Wells and Elko, Nevada, retracing the historic paths once traveled by early pioneers, including the infamous Donner Party.
Led by their teacher and principal, Mr. David Vixie, 22 students spent six days walking alongside mules and horses that hauled their supplies in authentic covered wagons. Together, they covered approximately 62 miles, navigating historic routes such as the Hastings Cutoff, Overland Pass, Pony Express Trail, and Ruby Mountain Valley.
This past trip marks Mr. Vixie’s 30th Wagon Trip adventure. Under his leadership, the Wagon Trip is far more than a history lesson of pioneer life. Along the trail, students engage in hands-on learning across multiple disciplines—history, science, math, and religion—making the journey a dynamic outdoor classroom. The Wagon Trip is more than just real-life academics; it’s a powerful lesson in perseverance, physical endurance, and teamwork. Students are challenged physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually as they confront ‘struggles’ that echo those of the early pioneers.
Mr. Vixie initiated the Wagon Trip tradition in 1996 to create a safe, natural environment where teenagers could confront real challenges and make meaningful decisions alongside their peers. Recognizing that the adolescent brain craves risk and novelty, he designed an experiential learning journey that would channel those impulses in a constructive, historically grounded way. Through the lens of the pioneer life, with its physical demands and daily hardships, students gain powerful insights into time management, resourcefulness, and the more profound life lessons that come from overcoming adversity. Students walk mile after mile, share responsibilities, and encourage one another through fatigue. At the same time, quiet moments such as watching the sun rise over the Ruby Mountains or pausing in the silence of the desert, remind them of God’s presence and protection on the journey.
For many, the Wagon Trip becomes the most memorable part of their school years. Both past and present students often describe it as a life-changing experience. Parents who accompany the group frequently return home with a renewed sense of gratitude and a deeper appreciation for life’s journey. The Wagon Trip is more than a school tradition; it’s a rite of passage that leaves a lasting impact on all who participate.
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Originally Posted in Northern Lights, October 23, 2025
