Celebrate 40 Years of Lorado Taft
Since 1980, Parker's 5th graders have embarked upon a multi-day class trip to Lorado Taft, an outdoor education campus in central Illinois where students have shared the experience of leaving home behind to gain a better understanding of themselves and their classmates. This year marks the last year our students will visit Lorado Taft.
For 44 years, our 5th graders have explored Taft's hilly, wooded landscape, tall grasses and rocky gullies. While details of the trip have changed over time, Parker 5th graders have all hiked the same trails, played in the same open fields, sung around the same campfire and eaten family-style meals in the Taft dining hall while hoping to catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring over the Rock River.
Enjoy these Lorado Taft memories submitted by alumni and current students and submit one of your own for inclusion on this page here.
Enjoy these Lorado Taft memories submitted by alumni and current students and submit one of your own for inclusion on this page here.
Lorado Taft holds a special place in my heart. The first time I went away from home, slept in a dorm room , went on a hike at night!! Where teachers (Mrs. Fries, Mr. Mattson, Mrs. Cholden!) spaced us out along the path that edged the Fox River in the dark, to hear the sounds, see the stars and generate some thoughts, blew my mind! Along with wintergreen Lifesavers making sparks when we chomped on them all at the same time in our small groups at night! Learning how to make our way using a compass, journaling for the first time, learning about indigenous plants and how the people of the native lands lived off them. Someone please save Lorado Taft and modernize the place we all hold so dearly in our minds. Parker, thank you for this amazing experience.
Amy Kohn ’90
A day or two before I found out that Lorado Taft was closing, I was on a hike here in Padua, and I had a flashback to that special class trip! I got a first taste of the fulfillment that writing can bring when we were asked to write a poem in the Lorado Taft woods. Mine was called “Strongly Blackhawk Stands,” and each couplet began with that line (which I thought was so cool because it was a real-live poetry technique!). It's the same high I still get when a song lyric comes out just right. I also remember making a figurine with objects we found in nature. I can still picture my guy—he was made of two pieces of wood tied with string. And I remember our wonderful art teachers Mark Mattson and Jo Roof giving us the lay of the land and explaining the rules of the trip. It felt like we were being handed a big responsibility. Definitely a big confidence boost, and a trip that has stayed in my heart.
A day or two before I found out that Lorado Taft was closing, I was on a hike here in Padua, and I had a flashback to that special class trip! I got a first taste of the fulfillment that writing can bring when we were asked to write a poem in the Lorado Taft woods. Mine was called “Strongly Blackhawk Stands,” and each couplet began with that line (which I thought was so cool because it was a real-live poetry technique!). It's the same high I still get when a song lyric comes out just right. I also remember making a figurine with objects we found in nature. I can still picture my guy—he was made of two pieces of wood tied with string. And I remember our wonderful art teachers Mark Mattson and Jo Roof giving us the lay of the land and explaining the rules of the trip. It felt like we were being handed a big responsibility. Definitely a big confidence boost, and a trip that has stayed in my heart.
Carolyn Chernoff ’94
Like most of the class of ‘94, I can’t think of Lorado Taft without hearing music teacher Lucious Bell’s creation: Search walk, black hawk, micro trail/walking in the open where my thoughts can sail/makes me happy, makes me laugh/I can’t wait til I go back to/Lorado Taft
Like most of the class of ‘94, I can’t think of Lorado Taft without hearing music teacher Lucious Bell’s creation: Search walk, black hawk, micro trail/walking in the open where my thoughts can sail/makes me happy, makes me laugh/I can’t wait til I go back to/Lorado Taft
Patrick McHale ’96
I have so many fond memories of Lorado Taft that choosing one feels impossible. I am grateful my daugther was able to also experience Lorado Taft, and she loved the trip as much as I did. While we were talking about her favorite moments of the trip, she mentioned Mr. Mattson was able to join their class. Hearing that news filled me with so much happiness.
I have so many fond memories of Lorado Taft that choosing one feels impossible. I am grateful my daugther was able to also experience Lorado Taft, and she loved the trip as much as I did. While we were talking about her favorite moments of the trip, she mentioned Mr. Mattson was able to join their class. Hearing that news filled me with so much happiness.
Sarah (Levy) Imberman ’99
I have so many great memories from Lorado Taft. The one that has stuck in my mind after all of these years is sitting around the campfire, looking up at the stars, and listening to Mrs. Hunt sing “Orion Is Arising.”
I have so many great memories from Lorado Taft. The one that has stuck in my mind after all of these years is sitting around the campfire, looking up at the stars, and listening to Mrs. Hunt sing “Orion Is Arising.”
Sara Berg ’00
I'll always remember learning to use a compass and singing "Orien is a-rising" while star-gazing in the middle of a field.
I'll always remember learning to use a compass and singing "Orien is a-rising" while star-gazing in the middle of a field.
Suzanne Herman ’11
One of my absolute favorite memories from Parker was when I was on the Lorado Taft trip and had yet to understand my inability to process dairy. Despite the many warning signs I had gleefully been ignoring, I had come down with a sudden bout of intense diarrhea, which I did so in one of the nearby side trails while hiking. I had no idea what to do since I had no toilet paper and was naturally very embarrassed to tell most anyone. In a doodoo-or-die situation, I called out to my friend Mackenzie Jones who rushed over upon hearing my cry and suggested we use the nearby leaves to help with cleaning myself. I know, it’s pretty gross but it was that moment where I learned that not only could I trust my friend but also that she was my best friend. We have stayed close ever since :)
One of my absolute favorite memories from Parker was when I was on the Lorado Taft trip and had yet to understand my inability to process dairy. Despite the many warning signs I had gleefully been ignoring, I had come down with a sudden bout of intense diarrhea, which I did so in one of the nearby side trails while hiking. I had no idea what to do since I had no toilet paper and was naturally very embarrassed to tell most anyone. In a doodoo-or-die situation, I called out to my friend Mackenzie Jones who rushed over upon hearing my cry and suggested we use the nearby leaves to help with cleaning myself. I know, it’s pretty gross but it was that moment where I learned that not only could I trust my friend but also that she was my best friend. We have stayed close ever since :)
Leah Kahn ’11
Going to Lorado Taft as a 5th grader, and again in 12th grade as a Big Sister, is one of my fondest memories of my time at Parker. I’ll always remember being led, blindfolded, through the woods, and while hearing Ms. Hunt sing “Simple Gifts,” opening my eyes to see the stars. This trip was a big deal for me because as a 5th grader, I was nervous to go on an overnight trip. I’ll always be grateful to Kaela Rowe for working with me in the months leading up to the trip and ultimately helping turn this into a positive experience. In many ways, it was a turning point for me. This trip allowed me to conquer my fears and come away more confident. Because of this, it was especially important to me that I went back as a senior because I knew that this short trip could have a big impact on some students like me.
Going to Lorado Taft as a 5th grader, and again in 12th grade as a Big Sister, is one of my fondest memories of my time at Parker. I’ll always remember being led, blindfolded, through the woods, and while hearing Ms. Hunt sing “Simple Gifts,” opening my eyes to see the stars. This trip was a big deal for me because as a 5th grader, I was nervous to go on an overnight trip. I’ll always be grateful to Kaela Rowe for working with me in the months leading up to the trip and ultimately helping turn this into a positive experience. In many ways, it was a turning point for me. This trip allowed me to conquer my fears and come away more confident. Because of this, it was especially important to me that I went back as a senior because I knew that this short trip could have a big impact on some students like me.
Alexandra Harmel ’12
I have now attended the Lorado Taft Trip as a student, Big Sib and teacher. I attribute my initial interest in becoming a teacher to my experience as a Big Sib on this trip. I loved Lorado Taft—drawing outside, hiking at night and learning about food waste—things I still value. I am sad to see Lorado Taft closing and hope Parker can continue this tradition at an alternative location.
I have now attended the Lorado Taft Trip as a student, Big Sib and teacher. I attribute my initial interest in becoming a teacher to my experience as a Big Sib on this trip. I loved Lorado Taft—drawing outside, hiking at night and learning about food waste—things I still value. I am sad to see Lorado Taft closing and hope Parker can continue this tradition at an alternative location.
Olivia Mayoras ’18
I loved walking through the woods blindfolded and listening to Mrs. Greenie sing! No other memory will compare.
I loved walking through the woods blindfolded and listening to Mrs. Greenie sing! No other memory will compare.
Harry Lowitz ’24
Trump got elected for the first time when I was at Lorado Taft. What a weird experience, but the teachers handled it with care and grace. Still had the best few days ever and drew some wonderful leaves with my friend Kai.
Trump got elected for the first time when I was at Lorado Taft. What a weird experience, but the teachers handled it with care and grace. Still had the best few days ever and drew some wonderful leaves with my friend Kai.
There was an incredible freedom to orienteering. I remember, upon hearing our task, scarcely believing that such a thing was possible. As a largely risk-averse 10-year-old, I felt I must have been doing something wrong by trekking off on my own. This can’t be right. They just let us go? By ourselves?? The feeling quickly wore off when my partner and I began our noble quest to reach every point on our map. At a young age, to a kid scared of bugs, poison ivy and any place I hadn’t been before, orienteering offered a challenge I usually would have wanted to avoid. But perhaps my hidden spirit for adventure and the eager words of encouragement from my partner pushed me beyond my hesitation. The thrill of open trails and cracking twigs underfoot is one I still have not forgotten. There’s something magical about trekking into the wilderness, into a great unknown with a compass and a friend. I still seek a similar feeling, that perfect concoction of not-quite-biting cold, a need for ingenuity, a sprinkling of trepidation and youthful energy to guide me on my adventures, thanks to Taft.
Dylan Wright ’26
There was an incredible freedom to orienteering. I remember, upon hearing our task, scarcely believing that such a thing was possible. As a largely risk-averse 10-year-old, I felt I must have been doing something wrong by trekking off on my own. This can’t be right. They just let us go? By ourselves?? The feeling quickly wore off when my partner and I began our noble quest to reach every point on our map. At a young age, to a kid scared of bugs, poison ivy and any place I hadn’t been before, orienteering offered a challenge I usually would have wanted to avoid. But perhaps my hidden spirit for adventure and the eager words of encouragement from my partner pushed me beyond my hesitation. The thrill of open trails and cracking twigs underfoot is one I still have not forgotten. There’s something magical about trekking into the wilderness, into a great unknown with a compass and a friend. I still seek a similar feeling, that perfect concoction of not-quite-biting cold, a need for ingenuity, a sprinkling of trepidation and youthful energy to guide me on my adventures, thanks to Taft.
I joined the meat elective even though I was very scared and watched as this guy literally started cutting it open in front of us. He asked if there were any volunteers, and I said absolutely not, but Mr. McPharlin convinced me to do it to get over my fears. I cut the leg off and held it up and I was so proud of myself. I felt especially proud because my other friends in the class were crying and had to walk away but I did that. Also Lorado Taft was the best Parker tradition ever and i'm so glad I got to go.
There was an incredible freedom to orienteering. I remember, upon hearing our task, scarcely believing that such a thing was possible. As a largely risk-averse 10-year-old, I felt I must have been doing something wrong by trekking off on my own. This can’t be right. They just let us go? By ourselves?? The feeling quickly wore off when my partner and I began our noble quest to reach every point on our map. At a young age, to a kid scared of bugs, poison ivy and any place I hadn’t been before, orienteering offered a challenge I usually would have wanted to avoid. But perhaps my hidden spirit for adventure and the eager words of encouragement from my partner pushed me beyond my hesitation. The thrill of open trails and cracking twigs underfoot is one I still have not forgotten. There’s something magical about trekking into the wilderness, into a great unknown with a compass and a friend. I still seek a similar feeling, that perfect concoction of not-quite-biting cold, a need for ingenuity, a sprinkling of trepidation and youthful energy to guide me on my adventures, thanks to Taft.
I joined the meat elective even though I was very scared and watched as this guy literally started cutting it open in front of us. He asked if there were any volunteers, and I said absolutely not, but Mr. McPharlin convinced me to do it to get over my fears. I cut the leg off and held it up and I was so proud of myself. I felt especially proud because my other friends in the class were crying and had to walk away but I did that. Also Lorado Taft was the best Parker tradition ever and i'm so glad I got to go.
Lilya Chawla ’29
I was in the woods with two of my friends playing a hunting game with the whole grade and we were just walking and talking for a really long time and playing in the sticks because it was really dead in the woods. Eventually we decided that we should probably head back and we found out that we had gone beyond what we were supposed to and had been a lot later than everyone else to get to the meetup spot. It wasn really fun though and I don’t regret it. Also the cinnamon rolls were sooooo good.
I was in the woods with two of my friends playing a hunting game with the whole grade and we were just walking and talking for a really long time and playing in the sticks because it was really dead in the woods. Eventually we decided that we should probably head back and we found out that we had gone beyond what we were supposed to and had been a lot later than everyone else to get to the meetup spot. It wasn really fun though and I don’t regret it. Also the cinnamon rolls were sooooo good.
Oscar Bargnes ’27
I liked going down by the river and everyone looked dirty and we all looked pretty tuff.
I liked going down by the river and everyone looked dirty and we all looked pretty tuff.
Ariella Newton ’26
When I was doing the hike with my group, one person decided to cover their arm fully in burrs and went crazy. It took so long to get it out. In the morning, Teacher Tang played loud music into every cabin and denied doing it later when we asked why.
When I was doing the hike with my group, one person decided to cover their arm fully in burrs and went crazy. It took so long to get it out. In the morning, Teacher Tang played loud music into every cabin and denied doing it later when we asked why.
Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.