The High School Youth Action Team went on a bonding trip to Knott’s Scary Farm on Sept. 19, building a greater sense of community for its members around the district. 

Twenty five students from HSYAT attended the trip, where they met up for an initial check-in and then independently explored the park until 2 a.m. HSYAT is a branch of the High School Youth Outreach Team, which provided transportation supervised by HSYOT leaders for the event.  

“We wanted high schoolers to have a chance to explore Knott’s Scary Farm because I know it’s a huge tourist attraction, but also [so they could feel] the freedom of not being confined to their parents,” HSYAT staff member senior Eunice Park said. 

HSYOT’s desire to increase student bonding beyond only participating in events for volunteer hours inspired this trip.

The idea of team-bonding drew upon the previous events like the Brawl Stars tournament last December and the Beach Bonfire in August. Both were meant to encourage friendly interaction among schools. 

“We all care about the community, and we want to help out in Irvine. That’s why we’re all in YAT,” sophomore class representative Shreya Shah said. “And even if we might not know everyone in YAT personally, it’s super easy to work with anyone in YAT because we’re all so similar with that driving factor.”

Their next scheduled event was the Clash Royale tournament, held on Sept. 27. Building on the success of last year’s Brawl Stars tournament, which drew around 100 participants, HSYOT planned to host a similar event where students can come together to play a game they enjoy.

“I think it can be really difficult to find your community,” HSYAT staff member senior Johan Simon said. “Sometimes that first little step is what leads you into a greater community. I hope Northwood YAT can be that community for someone.”

HSYOT aims to host more activities, such as trips to musicals or Disneyland. 

“A lot of IUSD students, especially, are focused on extracurriculars and academics,” HSYOT senior leader Jada Ulep, an adult volunteer, said. “We really want to orient towards teenagers just having a fun time and making the most of their high school experience.”

Those interested in joining HSYAT can visit yourirvine.org or reach out to HSYAT staff member senior Sarina Bastani at [email protected].