Outdoor Programs

Outdoor Education is a rigorous and active exploration of outdoor pursuits. The goals of this program are to 

• Teach the skills and knowledge necessary for safe and comfortable backcountry travel
• Instill a sense of stewardship for the natural world
• Develop a lifelong love and desire to be active in the outdoors.
• Develop leadership skills, teamwork and self-reliance
• Develop the ability to overcome and thrive in challenging situations

Students develop confidence throughout the fall as they strengthen their endurance and fitness levels through activities such as trail running, hiking and trail work. Students grow their knowledge of how to take care of the gear needed to remain comfortable while on the required overnight backpacking trips. The school provides the students with sleeping bags, sleeping pads, tents and the community gear and food.

In this program, students meet daily, as well as for day hikes on the weekends. They will learn how to be prepared to be outdoors and active in any weather condition.  There are also indoor days to work on map and compass skills, stove maintenance and repair, Leave No Trace ethics, wilderness first aid and appropriate personal gear.

We have the opportunity every day to participate in a variety of activities that teach students how to enjoy the outdoors in winter weather conditions. It is important to our well-being, both mentally and physically, to remain active during these winter months and to get outside.

"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

Avid skiers and snowboarders have the option to travel to the Lost Valley and Sunday River ski areas for three days of skiing and riding each week. Students may also choose to stay on campus to enjoy outdoor activities that include:

• Snowshoeing
• Cross-country skiing
• Hiking
• Trail maintenance
• Ice climbing and rope work
• Extreme sledding

Students also learn important outdoor skills such as fire and shelter building, first aid, map and compass use, in addition to covering winter safety topics like hypothermia, frostbite, and ice safety.