Outdoor Experiential Education
Outdoor and experiential education aims to provide students with a variety of meaningful learning opportunities that extend into their daily experiences. The program encourages students to explore new and unique landscapes, practice valuable leadership skills, and master technical skills through outdoor pursuits. The goal is for students to discover themselves and to learn to appreciate the natural world around them. The hope is that they might also be inspired to contribute to sustaining a beautiful and properly functioning planet.
Courses
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Duration: 1 semester
This hybrid course offers students an exciting blend of outdoor adventure and environmental science, introducing them to the fundamentals of mountain biking while exploring the natural history of local ecosystems. Students will meet four times a week between science-based classroom sessions and practical riding instruction. In the classroom, they will learn about the flora, fauna, and ecological processes of the environments they ride through and the impact of outdoor activities on these ecosystems. Students will develop essential mountain biking skills on the trails, including bike handling, navigation, and trail stewardship. The course emphasizes environmental responsibility and sustainability, teaching students to enjoy the outdoors while protecting the natural world. By the end of the course, students will have a strong foundation in mountain biking and natural history, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to be conscientious outdoor enthusiasts.
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Duration: 1 semester
Every rock-climbing venue presents new challenges to climbers because of its unique rock texture, composition, and environment. All rock climbers are empirical geologists because of their direct personal experience with various rock types. This class is designed to expand the climber's knowledge of the rock to include the geologic processes involved in its creation and sculpting. We will climb several areas that have experienced various geologic histories and are composed of diverse rock types.
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Duration: 1 semester
This course is designed to introduce students to the basic postures, breathing techniques, relaxation methods, and yoga disciplines in a safe and accessible way. Students will begin to experience the benefits of stretching, moving, and breathing freely as they relieve built-up stress, learn to relax, and build strength in the mind and body.
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Duration: 1 semester
Students will be introduced to horses and learn basic horsemanship skills, which include haltering, leading, grooming, saddling, and proper riding techniques. Students should leave the class comfortable around horses; they should be able to handle and ride their horses safely.
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Duration: 1 semester
Students will be expected to be able to groom and tack their horses unassisted. Students will be instructed in more advanced English riding techniques and equipment. Students can compete in English Riding events such as Dressage, Stadium Jumping, and Cross Country if they wish. Students will learn advanced equestrian care. (Farrier techniques, vet care, dental care.) Students should leave the class confident in their horse-handling skills
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Duration: 1 semester
Students will be expected to be able to groom and tack their horses unassisted. Students will be instructed in more advanced Western riding techniques and equipment. Students can compete in Western Riding events such as Barrel Racing, Pole Bending, Reining, Cutting, Roping, etc. Students will learn advanced equestrian care. (Farrier techniques, vet care, dental care.) Students should leave the class confident in their horse-handling skills.
Snowsports Program
This unique program offers students access to Ikon Resorts during the winter ski season; this is an opportunity for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to experience Utah's outdoors.