Outdoor Education

Outdoor education is a critical part of our extra-curricular program, which relates closely to many topics the students are taught in academic classes. Fourth grade students examine California history on their Sacramento trip, and fifth grade students spend three days at El Camino Pines in Frazier Park. Seventh grade students go to Catalina Island, freshmen go to Joshua Tree National Park, juniors paddle down the Colorado River in Arizona, and the seniors have a team-building retreat. These trips are an important educational opportunity during which students learn about their environment-how it operates and how human beings can benefit from and affect it. These trips also enable the students to develop skills for effective group work and leadership. However, they not only stimulate group skills, but also create opportunities for self-reflection. In the quiet times offered, students have the ability to think about themselves as well as consider their relationship to the environment.

The benefits of our outdoor education program are therefore multi-pronged. With the larger goals of developing trust, team building, class bonding and friendship, each trip blends these experiences through a variety of activities and educational experiences. Experienced counselors and teachers help facilitate learning about the natural world and encourage critical thought and informed action towards responsible and sustainable living. As with all good teaching, our outdoor education trips are designed to inspire curiosity in and appreciation for each unique environment.