First Grade Spring

exploring in the land of the dinosaurs

The First Grade’s spring expedition has it all: fossils and dinosaurs, bouldering, camping, and hiking. As always, our Outdoor Ed expedition fosters development of the school’s five core values: character, respect, responsibility, community, and perseverance. Students deepen their understanding of these values on the two Outdoor Education trips they take each year throughout their journey at ACDS. 

Children have a real hiking challenge on their trip to the desert — an ambitious but achievable six-mile adventure that leaves them feeling so proud of themselves.

The children will be hiking and bouldering in Colorado National Monument near Grand Junction. Our first stop in the Monument is at a picnic area for lunch, followed by a hike through red rock country to a desert spring as we look for blue-collared lizards. After the hike we set up camp and enjoy dinner, s’mores, and storytime. On the second day, we pack up camp, write in our Outdoor Ed journals, and take an exploratory hike, possibly spotting some bighorn sheep. After the hike, we drive back to campus for dismissal at the regular time.

Complete instructions and staffing lists arrive via ParentSquare shortly before each trip. At least one certified Wilderness First Responder accompanies every expedition. NOLS Risk Services of the National Outdoor Leadership School has recently completed a comprehensive analysis of policies and procedures for the Outdoor Education program at Aspen Country Day School. This program operates under special use permit from the USDA Forest Service, White River National Forest.