The immediate hands-on, sensory experience of spending time in the outdoors is a crucial part of our students’ education. Developing an appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of the natural world is also key to understanding a sense of place. The lessons in the challenges of camping make our students more resilient and adaptable in all aspects of their lives.
Middle School
The 7th grade starts off the fall semester with a three-day orientation trip to 100 Elk, an outdoor education center in Buena Vista, Colorado. The 8th grade also participates in a three-day camping orientation with rotating locations throughout New Mexico. These orientation trips focus on students working together in teams, learning to be more responsible for themselves and each other, personal goal-setting, and setting the tone for the Middle School as a whole.
In late January, the Middle School participates in Winter Wonder Days, spending three Fridays snowboarding, skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating.
At the end of the school year, the 7th grade takes an overnight camping trip to Ghost Ranch. The 8th grade embarks on the annual rafting trip on the Rio Grande River, near Cumbres, New Mexico.
Upper School
The 9th, 10th, and 11th grade take various camping trips at the start of the school year. The 9th grade heads to Agua Piedra campground to enjoy enjoy some great day hikes and a cool river. Students help out in numerous aspects of the group camping experience, from cooking to cleaning to making s’mores. The 10th grade heads out to Santa Barbara Campground in the Carson National Forest, where they are able to take more ownership over the group experience. Activities on this trip might include hiking, swimming, games, and astronamy. The 11th grade splits into smaller camping groups around various interest areas: fly fishing; wilderness horseback riding; exploring the artistic inspirations of Ansel Adams and Georgia O’Keeffe at Ghost Ranch; backpacking in the Pecos Wilderness; summiting Santa Fe Baldy; or taking a deep dive into the archeology and unique cultural history at Bandelier.
In February, all upper school students will have the opportunity to join in the annual Wolf Creek Ski Trip near Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
The seniors’ main event is the five-day rafting trip on the Green River in southern Utah. This trip down Desolation Canyon is incredibly beautiful both in scenery and in the opportunity for the seniors to slowly say goodbye to each other, with graduation right on the heels of the trip.