From April 11 to 13, CVHS’ ECO club spent their days in the great outdoors during their bi-annual camping excursion to Galveston Island State Park. Known for its scenic trails and Gulf Coast views, the park provided the perfect setting for students to unwind, bond and connect with the natural world they work hard to protect.
The two-day, overnight excursion was packed to the brim with outdoor activities. Students camped at the state park beach campground, so close to the beach they could walk there easily.
“We were able to access the beach easily, making it easier to walk from our tent to the beach,” ECO Club Vice President Nina Pinglay stated.
As the afternoon sun dipped, the group gathered on the sand to watch the sunset over the Gulf. The beach was quiet, and many students took the moment to reflect or snap photos, while others simply enjoyed the breeze and the sound of the waves.
“Watching the sunset together as a club truly made me connect with my co-members, reflecting on how beautiful nature can be,” CVHS senior Daiki Sakai expressed.
Dinner, led by the club officers, brought the club together around the grill and campfire. Laughter and storytelling filled the night air as the group started a campfire and shared their favorite memory of their day.
“It was great to see everyone relaxing and enjoying each other’s company,” Pinglay said.
With stars overhead and a gentle sea breeze, students rolled out their sleeping bags and spent the night in tents under the sky. For many, it was a rare opportunity to unplug and enjoy the beauty of nature.
The next morning, a group of early risers gathered on the beach to watch the sunrise. It was a peaceful start to a day that would end with replenishing any inner negativity and start up a new day.
“Although waking up that early was very unusual for me, just seeing how beautiful the sunrise healed something within me,” CVHS junior Cruz Rodriguez stated.
As the trip winded down, the group took time to clean up their campsite, following the ECO Club’s values of environmental stewardship and principles. Bags of trash were packed out, and the area was left cleaner than they found it.
“The goal of this trip wasn’t just fun,” Pinglay stated. “It was about reconnecting with the earth and each other, and remembering why we care so deeply about protecting our environment.”
For students, it was a chance to make memories, deepen friendships and experience firsthand the beauty of Texas’ natural landscapes.
With another camping trip in the books, the ECO club looks ahead to a semester of environmental action—and perhaps a few more sunsets along the way.
“I always feel way better after I go out on a camping trip, and more connected with nature and the people surrounding me,” Rodriguez stated.
