Outdoor Education
Broadening Horizons
Did you know that from 3rd to 8th grade, Stanley students will spend 21 nights off campus? It’s actually 25 nights if they participate in the rigorous middle school Constitutional Law program and team that travels to Washington DC!
We believe in the importance of broadening horizons and taking students out of their comfort zones, whether it’s camping, hiking, whitewater rafting, or simply being away from the comforts of home. The flexibility and resilience that is nurtured in these experiences are a formative part of a Stanley education.
Overnights begin in the fall, when each of our multi-aged middle school homerooms goes off on a two-night camping trip. Students learn to set up tents, plan menus, shop for food, cook for their classmates, and deal with the uncertainties, weather and otherwise, that come up on outdoor trips. Most importantly, they take risks and bond with the members of their homeroom groups.
Springtime brings several much-anticipated adventures, culminating in the 8th grade trip to England (see video on right). Our 3-4-5 students experience an overnight at Cal-Wood, where they connect with the natural environment, build strong ties with their peers, and gain a deeper understanding of the world around them.
Our 6th graders spend two nights in beautiful Estes Park, exploring the mountains and building their friendships. Our 7th graders visit Moab, Utah, for camping, rafting and leadership activities.
And we don't leave our youngest students behind! While they don't yet go on overnight trips, they do have many opportunities to explore Colorado's outdoors, from hikes in Three Sisters Park to splashing at Cherry Creek Reservoir to picking a perfect pumpkin at a local farm. We believe in the importance of play and nature, and we take advantage of all Colorado has to offer.
London is Calling
Our 8th grade class spends a week in England, giving tribute to the roots of our school's philosophy. Activities can include visits to museums, the theater, soccer games, the seaside, outdoor markets, trying new foods, and navigating the Tube. This trip literally expands our students' worlds, and can also provide the confidence to pursue a service trip in high school, travel abroad for a semester in college, or explore a job opportunity in another country.