This spring, we got the chance to lead a crew of students from the Shining Mountain Waldorf School on a backpacking expedition in Utah’s canyon country. The trip took place during a special time for the students – their transition from middle to high school! The expedition was an opportunity to connect with nature, each other, and build confidence ahead of their next big adventure. A whole lot of learning and fun was packed into this 5-day trip. Wondering what happens when a classroom of 8th graders is tasked with navigating through the desert together? Read on!
Day 1: The Backpacking Adventure Begins
The group of middle school students, guided by two skilled Instructors, ventured into the Moab canyons for an immersive outdoor education experience. The first day was dedicated to foundational skills: how to pack a backpack, set up camp, and hike safely in the challenging canyon terrain. That evening, a significant storm with strong winds and rain tested the students’ newly learned skills. With guidance from the Instructors, the students reinforced their tent setups and managed to stay dry—a testament to their quick learning and teamwork!
Day 2: Learning to Hike in the Desert
The following day, the group embarked on a hike out of Grandstaff Canyon. In a rocky side canyon, the Instructors paused to teach the students how to hike confidently on uneven ground—a critical skill for the days ahead. They set up camp just below the canyon rim and enjoyed a breathtaking sunset followed by starry skies. The crew finished their day reflecting, laughing, and excitedly discussing the next day’s adventures.
Day 3: Practicing Navigation and Teamwork
The group got an early start to enjoy the cool morning temperatures as they hiked across the Sandflats Mesa and down into Mill Creek. The meandering trail and vast canyon network provided a great opportunity to learn about navigation. Students worked together to read the topographic maps and learn to use a compass. These lessons in teamwork and problem-solving helped to bring the students closer together by the end of the adventure-filled day.
Day 4: Adventuring and Reflecting in the Canyons
The next day was the highlight of the trip for many of the students. The group woke up early to embark on a canyoneering adventure in Cowboy Canyon. One the students arrived at the canyon, they learned about rope systems and safety precautions. After preparation and anticipation, each student took their turn rappelling down the striking canyon. The students encouraged each other continually during this unfamiliar and thrilling experience.
To celebrate their accomplishment, the group took time to relax and swim in Mill Creek before returning to camp. That evening, Instructors facilitated an Outward Bound pin ceremony. This is a time when the group reflects on their learnings, shares gratitude, and celebrates achievements. Many students expressed newfound self-confidence in their strength – individually and as a group.
Day 5: Students Taking the Lead
Every Outward Bound experience concludes with a final challenge – an opportunity for students to take the lead and test their new skills in teamwork and outdoor adventure. For this crew’s final challenge, Instructors tasked the students with organizing the entire next morning. From wake-up calls to packing-up camp to hiking back to the trailhead – the students managed it all. Rising early, they efficiently worked together to make breakfast and dismantle camp. After that, the students used their new map-reading skills to hike back to the trailhead. They arrived within minutes of the scheduled time!
Reflecting on Student Outcomes
Throughout the course, students learned how thrive as a group outdoors. They learned to cook in the backcountry, to leave no trace while camping, to read topographic maps, and to rappel down canyons. More importantly, they learned to support each other through new experiences, to take time to reflect and share gratitude, and to lead confidently even when faced with uncertainty.
Entering high school can sometimes feel as grueling as hiking up a steep canyon on a hot summer day. But these students learned that they are capable of that – and so much more! We wish this crew of students at the Shining Mountain Waldorf School the best of luck as they continue to navigate the exciting opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Community Partner Programs at Colorado Outward Bound School
Interested in an experience for you school that is so much more than a field trip? Learn more about our one-day and overnight outdoor adventures for youth groups in Colorado and Utah!
About the Author
Kelsey (she/her) is the Marketing and Communications Manager at Colorado Outward Bound School.
