An Outdoor Education

Theme: Ice and Stone. Ninth graders spend a week in the Sierra Nevada Mountains on a winter adventure. As a part of the Idealism and Humanities Main Lesson Block, the students work on class projects as they live and work together, and explore the meaning of community. They also explore the area on foot, snowshoe, and cross country skis to learn about the regional geology, ecology, and the local Miwok Indian culture. The students are immersed through role-play in the infamous debate over the creation of the Hetch Hetchy reservoir and the dynamics of natural resource management. (Not to mention time spent constructing snowmen and sipping hot cocoa by the fire.)

The tenth graders spend two nights camping in the beautiful China Camp State Park and take a two-night sea kayak expedition to Angel Island. During the trips, the students visit the Bay Model, enjoy an interactive wind power lesson at the Treasure Island Sailing Center, explore Angel Island (including a visit to the immigration museum), and try their hand at sea kayaking and sailing. This experience, coupled with the 10th grade Meteorology Main Lesson Block, helps students deepen their relationship with the wonderful Bay Area home which we call home.

Theme: Fire and Light

At Mount Lassen, an Astronomy class comes to life! This trip traditionally begins the eleventh grade year as the students come together to reflect on the transition into their role as upperclassmen. They spend time exploring the history and transformative power of the area’s volcanoes and wildfires, as well as beginning their Astronomy Main Lesson Block with eyes gazed upwards at the mesmerizing Lassen night sky.

Senior Quest is a powerful, optional trip which includes a 3-day wilderness solo designed for personal exploration and reflection. New insights and connections with the natural world make Senior Quest a life-changing experience. Trips typically take place in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Theme: Rivers and Roads

The Senior Trip provides an opportunity for the class to share one last common experience. It is designed to provide opportunities for group bonding, reflection, and physical challenge as they look forward to life after high school. The trip provides this opportunity by immersing the students in nature, providing common group challenge, and providing opportunity for play and reflection.

Trips vary from class to class. Upcoming plans call for an eight day exploration of areas in Northern California which are thought of in many circles to be places of particular power and mystery. The adventure begins in the Mt. Shasta area with guided exploration of the area’s many beautiful and mystical features. Students participate in a traditional sweat lodge ceremony with Sparrowhawk, a local Native American. The trip culminates with a 4-day wilderness style raft trip down the Wild and Scenic Lower Klamath River. The river provides a perfect setting for the students to reflect on their years together and on the many divergent paths that their own rivers will soon be taking them.

This summer course is offered Outdoor Education Coordinator Luke Barbee. The ten-day journey into the Yosemite wilderness gives students the chance to connect with nature while applying leadership/team building skills and learning backpacking techniques. It is also an awe-inspiring study of John Muir’s history in the valley.

9th/10th Grades. Students learn how to identify, plant, and care for native plant species. They continue to an on-going restoration of the natural area and spring adjacent to the campus.

9th/10th Grades. Students build and maintain vegetable and fruit gardens around the campus: planting, cultivation, watering, and fertilization. They learn basics of soil science and use of organic materials, and maintain worm compost bins and beehives.