Sixth, Seventh, Eighth Fall
BACKPACKING IN Mixed-grade Teams
What is Middle School Outdoor Ed like in the fall?
We’re backpacking, in small groups, in the surrounding wilderness. Each group of 10 to 14 students travels on a route chosen specifically for hikers of this age.
Why backpacking?
Backpacking is a passport to the some of the best locations and experiences in the natural world. We’ll be learning some essential skills to foster confidence and competence in the backcountry: setting up tarps, cooking, digging a backcountry latrine, caring for waste and food, route finding, and general self-care in the wilderness. A trip like this also deepens understanding of the five core values of our school: character, respect, responsibility, community, and perseverance.
Who goes in each group?
- 10 to 14 students from all three Middle School grades
- Two to three teachers, staff members, and alumni as leaders
- At least one adult on each trip is a certified Wilderness First Responder
How can I get ready?
All trips will be physically demanding, as we’ll be carrying heavy packs, often uphill, for a couple miles. We encourage all Middle Schoolers to get out and hike as conditioning for the trip. Get a couple of friends together and make it fun!
What should I bring?
All gear will be carried in a backpack. See the packing list below. If you need to borrow a school backpack, please email outdoored@aspencountryday.net
WHAT TO DO NOW: PREPARE FOR OUTDOOR ED
- Hike uphill
Even better, carry a pack while doing this essential training. - Find your pack
We recommend a pack with a capacity of 60-70 litres. For an example of the type of pack we recommend, please click here. If you are looking for more advice on finding a pack, click here. - Decide if you want to borrow a school pack
If you would like to borrow a pack from ACDS, email us right away: outdoored@aspencountryday.net. A pack will be reserved for you and issued on Tuesday, the first day of school. You should bring your gear to school in a duffle or big plastic bag that morning. - Consider the weather
The weather in the mountains is variable. It could rain, sleet, or even snow in the high country. Many of the groups will be traveling above tree line so the temps will be cooler than in town. Be prepared! Pack warm clothes, even if the day is warm and sunny the evening temperatures may drop into the 30’s. You MUST bring rain gear and warm layers for cold evenings. - Pack intelligently
Students: pack your own pack! (Core value: responsibility) Parents can help make wise clothing choices, but you should be able to put it all in the packs by yourself, including stuffing the sleeping bag into a stuff sack. There must be additional room in your pack to carry some group gear. (Core value: community) We will be doing a pack check on the first day of school.
All students MUST come with their backpack packed and ready for the pack check the first day of school.
NO ELECTRONICS, please, except a headlamp or flashlight: this means no cell phones, no iPods or iPads, games, etc. NO sunglasses or glasses with video capabilities, NO smart watches. Only regular or Rx sunglasses and regular watches. “Radio silence” and a chance to unplug are important aspects of the Outdoor Ed experience. Photos from the trips will be posted shortly after return for parents and children to share.
Complete instructions, packing lists, and staffing details 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.