Outdoor Education
As part of the vision of our integrated and holistic curriculum, we believe in the power of nature. Each year, students are taught to become stewards and adventurers of the great outdoors through our experiential education curriculum. These outdoor experiences ground students with a sense of place, teach them to work cooperatively, and appreciate and protect the beauty of nature. All of our programs are facilitated by outdoor instructors who are highly trained in experiential education, group facilitation, outdoor naturalist education, and wilderness medicine.
Developmentally Intentional Adventures
Camping Trip: This 4-5 day base camping trip lays the foundation for the next 3 years of adventures. With a focus on camping basics, community building, games, mindfulness, and Leave No Trace principles, our 9th graders emerge from the woods with new skills, deepened relationships, and a strengthened sense of self.
Farm Week: As part of their studies, students also spend a week at a local farm, learning and working with their classmates.
9th Grade
Camping Trip: The 4-5 day spring base camping trip in 10th grade aims to build upon students' wilderness and survival skills. Students are empowered as they grow their leadership skills and community building, while expanding their comfort zones through Sit Spots and a full day of silence.
10th Grade
11th Grade
Backpacking & Camping Trip: Students hit the trail in 11th grade during a 4-5 day backpacking trip. Camping, survival, and wilderness skills are utilized as students manage their own gear and hike 5 - 12 miles each day. 11th graders are emboldened as they set up their camp each night, cook their own food, and reflect on how far they've come.
12th Grade
Our outdoor program culminates with two trips for the 12th grade: the Fall Outdoor Trip and the Spring Solo Sit. These outdoor experiences are essential opportunities for our students to learn more deeply about themselves and their peers.
Fall Outdoor Trip: Will vary in place and activity, but will always focus on community building and celebrating the start of their senior year.
Spring Solo Sit: 12th graders integrate all they have learned as they prepare to spend two days on their own in the wilderness. Following these two days, students reconnect and reflect on their strengths and leadership roles as they prepare to venture down their own paths beyond high school.