ALCS Middle School Experiential Education
8th Grade Backpacking
This year we are realizing a goal we’ve pursued for a long time - an 8th grade one night backpacking trip! This will be a valuable experience in itself, but will also help students prepare for their longer backpacking trip in 9th grade. These trips are required parts of the ALCS curriculum. And, thanks to the community’s hard work, they also consistently rank at the top of students’ list when they reflect on their experience here. Safety is our first priority, with all participants required to undergo training & preparation. A second school priority is creating the opportunity for students to expand their self-confidence and find previously unknown strengths within themselves. Finally, our third priority -- as stated in the ALCS Charter -- is tapping into wilderness as a place for (a) building a stronger school community, and (b) learning vital concepts about how humans interact with and care for the environment. Important Dates: Monday, May 1: Students will meet with their group leaders On the Monday morning before departure, all students should bring their backpacks to school packed with everything they are taking on the trip. This is very important for the safety and comfort of your student as well as the other members of his or her group. Attendance at school on this day is required for participation in the trip. Tuesday, May 2: Departarture Students need to be at school by 8:00 a.m. on May 2. Wednesday, May 3: Return to school We will return to campus around 3:00 pm on May 3. DO NOT arrive before normal pick-up time, 3:35, because students are expected to help unload gear, return gear & clean the bus when we return. If for some reason or return is delayed, the school will send out a message via ParentSquare. Destination Trails: Students will be split into three backpacking groups. All three will be hiking along Sapillo Creek on Spring Canyon Trail #247. The first group will go 2 miles down the trail, the second will go 1.5 miles, and the third will go half a mile. Trail and group assignments will be posted by Friday the 28th for student viewing. |
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