Hello |FNAME|,
Here in Portland, the weather is still warm, but the rhythm of fall is beginning to return as Trinity Academy started back this week. The hallways are once again filled with familiar voices and new energy. Over the past few weeks, our community has enjoyed summer gatherings, work parties, and plenty of backyard catch-ups.
We wanted to share with you some highlights from one of our most memorable summer traditions: backpacking trips. Led by faculty member Patrick Tomassi, both our high school boys and a group of alumni headed into the mountains for adventures that were equal parts challenging, hilarious, and full of the kind of beauty that stays with you.
High School Boys Trip – Three Fingered Jack, OR
On day one, one boy’s hiking boots began falling apart—literally. The soles peeled off, and before long, both boots were held together entirely by duct tape. “He took the challenges in stride (pun intended),” Mr. Tomassi wrote. “Despite the setbacks, he kept up and had a great time.” Blisters were also an expected nuisance, and each morning turned into a routine “blister triage” clinic run by parent Tim Mackie.
One day hike took the group nearly to the summit of Three Fingered Jack, where they ate lunch looking out over jagged peaks and summer skies. It really was one of the most beautiful places you can imagine taking a lunch break.
And even though one of the usual faculty leaders, Mr. Gaffney, couldn’t attend due to a last-minute illness, he was hailed as “the hero of the trip” for preparing all the food in advance. The consensus among the students was that it beat freeze-dried meals by a mile. There was even a driftwood raft in the mix. The younger boys gathered logs and built a floating raft in the alpine lake. A senior eventually jumped in and was quickly nominated “Captain.”
High School Boys Photos
Alumni Boys Trip – Goat Rocks Wilderness, WA
Later in the summer, four alumni—James Kabele ’22, Niall Brady ’22, Jones Kill ’24, and Caleb Chinn ’25—joined Mr. Tomassi for a 15-mile loop through the breathtaking Goat Rocks Wilderness. They camped beside the frigid, clear waters of Goat Lake. “It was one of the most absurdly beautiful places any of us had ever been,” Mr. Tomassi shared. “The water was probably 40 degrees, and all the alumni jumped in.” That night, the group lay under the stars watching the Perseid meteor shower, learning constellations, and scanning the sky for shooting stars.
For Jones Kill ’24, the trip held special meaning. “When I was a student at Trinity, I always loved the summer backpacking trips because they brought me closer to my peers through conversations and sharing the beauty of God’s creation,” he said. “Now as an alumnus, I still love going on these trips to reconnect with old friends and have deeper conversations than I was capable of as a high schooler.” He described the Goat Rocks trip as his favorite one yet, “filled with the most stunning views and connecting with old friends through meaningful conversations.”
Niall Brady ’22 also reflected on how the trip surpassed his expectations. Initially unsure about the smaller group and shorter itinerary, he quickly found the experience to be deeply rewarding. “I got to grow much closer and catch up with some of the guys—all while being constantly surrounded by breathtaking views,” he said. “Backpacking has and always will be one of the best parts of my summer. Never miss a backpacking trip!”
Alumni Trip Photos
Thank you for being part of the Trinity community and for staying connected with us. We’re grateful for your continued support and presence.
Trips like these are not just about hiking miles; they’re about building community, marveling at God’s creation, and giving our students space to grow. We’re thankful for the ways our faculty invest in students, even during the summer months, and glad to share a glimpse of that with you.