The Pasadena campus has a unique tradition. Every year, campus director Philippe Detzen packs up teachers, administrators, students, and parents who tear themselves away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life to go rough it out at Joshua Tree National Park. The program is chock-full of outdoors activities, such as stargazing, hiking, and climbing. It is a wonderful and rich way to learn and foster a feeling of community at the same time! This year was the 5^th annual trip and there was a fear that it may not happen as the site the crew usually reserves was booked and organizers were forced to scramble to find a new date.  The only dates available were October 8 through 10 which, regretfully, presented a major conflict; many Jewish families opted out of the trip to stay back home to observe Yom Kippur, while others who would have liked to have participated couldn't rearrange their work schedules. Although the annual trip was maintained and enjoyed by those attending, a difficult lesson was learned. A lesson of planning ahead, making reservations, and making sure the campus trip meant to bond does not divide. Mark your calendars, the 6th Annual trip is scheduled for October 14, 15, 16 , 2009 - guaranteed!  We hope the entire LILA-Pasadena school community will be out in force.