"I went to the woods because I wanted to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could not learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived." - Thoreau
Middle school is a perfect time to build a passion for the outdoors and the skills to explore the natural world around us. Each school year begins with multi-day orientation trips to create a strong learning community and welcome new friends.
Adventures include hiking, ropes courses, rock climbing, and rafting, all led by certified guides and Middle School teachers. During the year, each grade hikes into the backcountry to explore the 10th Mountain Division Hut System. Students stay overnight and learn about backcountry safety, snow science and building community away from electronics. For those wishing to try something new, Middle School teachers donate their time to teach fly fishing and backcountry safety. Perhaps the most visible example of outdoor education is our Ski Fridays, where every middle schooler joins a teacher and five friends to ski on the mountain.