For the last 18 years, I have been bringing a select class of Stanford undergraduates to Big Creek as a part of Stanford's Sophomore College program. My goal is to give my small group of students an experience in natural far away from screens. We hike the trails in Big Creek, experience the plants and animals and talk about the history of this beautiful place. The main purpose, however, is to create a environment where diverse young people can form a group characterized by trust, that is safe and close, so close that they are comfortable enough to talk about their lives at the deepest level. The natural environment of Big Creek provides the context where that can happen. Days of conversation while hiking the trails of Big Creek, discussions around the fire at Redwood Camp have a near magical effect. As you know, 19yrs is not an easy age; a great many changes occur very rapidly for these people. Our time at Big Creek gives us time away from the crush at Stanford and time to reflect on topics such as choice, stewardship, sustainability. Big Creek has been a critical part of my program and I sincerely hope that we may continue in the Fall of 2014. - Best, Stuart Thompson, Professor

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