The Outdoor Education program on both campuses introduces students, grades K-12, to the stunning mountains, canyons, deserts, and beaches in the West, while teaching students how to respect and care for our fragile environment. Various age-appropriate activities occur throughout the year that teach students to overcome real challenges that may be physical, social, organizational, and personal.
Destinations typically include Channel Islands National Park, Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, Grand Canyon National Park, and other national forests and state parks. Because we believe that Outdoor Education is essential to our mission to develop balanced, well-rounded people, full participation in this program is mandatory for all students.
Children in grades K-5 begin their outdoor experiences with day hikes and overnight camp trips at regional beaches and campsites. In middle and high school, grades 6-12, the program offers greater challenges as students participate in week-long backpacking and camping trips. During the school year, high school students have the option to participate in 30+ Outdoor Education excursions including climbing, backpacking, sea kayaking, rappelling, canyoneering, whitewater rafting, mountain biking, and hiking. Last year, they ascended a combined 2,500 ft of climbing routes, floated more than 160 miles of river in canoes, kayaks and rafts in four states, and they ventured to four of the five islands within Channel Islands National Park. Those trips also included participation in restoration projects to repair trails, remove invasive plants, and collect native seeds. Check out the videos below to see some of the middle school adventures from last year.