Outdoor Ed Backpacking Trip

Chris Henwood-Costa, Director of Outdoor Education, and teachers Tom Berrian and Courtney McKinley led the Upper School fall Outdoor Ed backpacking trip. This group hiked a section of the Appalachian Trail with steep and very rocky terrain while wearing heavy backpacks which  carried everything they needed for three days. Henwood-Costa shares, “The [students] were completely unplugged. They learned how to live and travel in the backcountry including how to work with a group to set up camp, build a fire, protect their food from bears, navigate with a map and compass, and cook delicious food for one another. They spent time getting to know each other, enjoying the views, and reflecting together. They showed great leadership in their support for one another and their ability to meet and push their edges.” Henwood-Costa says they left experience feeling empowered and resilient, and knowing that they are capable of more than they thought possible before the trip. All of the students expressed so much gratitude for the opportunity to challenge themselves in this way. Enjoy the whole gallery of photos from their trip here!