OUTDOOR EDUCATION

Outdoor Ed and ExEd are hallmark programs of Aspen School District (ASD) and AEF. It all began 57 years ago with the 8th grade program – a weeklong backpacking trip through the Elk Mountains with the legendary overnight wilderness “solo” experience for each student. Outdoor Ed has expanded to offer beyond-classroom educational experiences in which students participate in a variety of outdoor challenges: hiking, climbing, rafting, ropes courses, and group initiatives in the wilderness. Across all grades, Outdoor Ed and ExEd provide carefully chosen activities that require students to take initiative, make decisions, reflect and analyze, and be accountable for the results.

AEF funds scholarships to enable every student, across all grades, to participate. Additionally, we support teacher training programs and wilderness certifications to enhance the quality of the educational experience. AEF also finances a full-time Outdoor Education/Experiential Education coordinator to oversee safety measures, align the curriculum with school standards, and uphold program excellence. These efforts have led to ASD becoming the first public school district in the country accredited by the Association for Experiential Education (AEE).

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Miles trekking through the wilderness on route to overnight solo in 8th grade
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AHS Experimental Education courses this year

“It is rare for a public school to be able to provide a program like this. Outdoor education promotes the development of perseverance, empathy, compassion, and the ability to recognize and appreciate each other’s differences. It’s a learning experience that simply cannot be replicated in the classroom. Reaching the 50-year milestone is a true testament to the collective dedication and support of both the ASD staff and the Aspen community as a whole.”

Craig Rogers, former Aspen Middle School Principal and AEF Board Member

“My favorite part of avalanche trail was going on a hike through the woods. The whole thing was my favorite part. It was pretty rad!”

Judd Gurtman, 8th grade ODE

The Aspen School District’s Outdoor Ed program has been alive and well for over 50 years. Since the first trip embarked upon in 1968, our students have been hiking, skinning, using Aspen trees for sunscreen, camping and surviving a solo. The results: determination, tenacity and a love for our great outdoors. Outdoor Ed is at the heart and soul of public education in Aspen. Our goal is to endow Outdoor Ed so that all future generations have access to this life-changing experience and program.

Experiential Education

Experiential education is a style of teaching where educators purposefully engage with learners in direct experience and focused reflection in order to increase knowledge, develop skills, and develop people’s capacity to contribute to their communities.

Outdoor Education Gallery

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