Outdoor Adventure Program

Through the Outdoor Adventure Program, Wildlands students are exposed to the theory and practice of expedition behavior, teamwork, and outdoor leadership. Wildlands students learn to camp and travel in wilderness areas, which demands learning a variety of skills specific to the environment such as kayaking, skiing, or backpacking. The program teaches situational leadership, which demands different decision-making styles depending on task urgency. During the trips, expedition behavior involves a commitment to the group, acceptance of others, and cooperation to achieve goals. Together they have to work through homesickness, camp set-up in poor weather, and other struggles that occur.  

As the program progresses we have planned longer trips that require more skills. Each year we want to push students to learn more about what it means to be a leader. After students leave the middle school they are able to attend trips through the high school Outdoor Adventure Program, so that they can continue practicing outdoor and leadership skills. Wildlands students learn to camp and travel in wilderness areas, which demands learning a variety of skills, including camping, cooking, navigation, and skills specific to the environment. Our courses are wilderness expeditions, wherein lessons are immediate, lasting, and applicable to student lives—no matter what you do. Wildlands teaches wilderness users to practice responsible habits that promote the health and safety of self and others. At Wildlands, the recognition and management of the inherent risks and hazards of living and traveling in remote wild areas are taught and practiced on every course. Wildlands is committed to promoting a positive learning environment and physical and emotional well-being for all students.

Where has expeditionary learning taken us?