John Kuehlman, Aspen Middle School Teacher, 1968
Aspen Middle School students have a unique opportunity to participate in an outdoor education program that exposes them to a wide range of outdoor experiences in each of their four years at AMS. While the trips are relatively short, the positive effects last a lifetime. Since 1968, when the eighth-grade program began, countless stories have been told of the lasting impact this program has on students. The AMS staff has long believed that education can and must expand beyond classroom walls.
Our goal is that, by the time students have completed eighth-grade, they will have a deeper appreciation of our natural environments and a stronger sense of self and purpose. This program compliments in-class activities that mesh well with our mission statement: "The Aspen Middle School community shares a commitment to creating a developmentally responsive environment that nourishes the young adolescent mind, body, and spirit."
The success of this program is due, in large part, to the continued support it receives from the Aspen community. Parents, businesses, and volunteer organizations have recognized the positive impacts upon students and supported the program for many years. It is a community expectation that Aspen Middle School students participate in outdoor education. Efforts are made to ensure that all students are afforded the ability to go on these trips. Whether the support be in the form of scholarships, access to equipment, or encouragement, the community and Aspen Middle School have stepped up often to let it be known that this program is an integral part of the Aspen Middle School culture.
As the eighth-grade program developed successfully, trips were added to the other grade levels. Current trips include:
For more information on this program, please view the contents of this website. For more specific information, contact the
Aspen Middle School principal at: 970/925-3760, ext. 2004 or contact grade level leaders of specific trips.
Our goal is that, by the time students have completed eighth-grade, they will have a deeper appreciation of our natural environments and a stronger sense of self and purpose. This program compliments in-class activities that mesh well with our mission statement: "The Aspen Middle School community shares a commitment to creating a developmentally responsive environment that nourishes the young adolescent mind, body, and spirit."
The success of this program is due, in large part, to the continued support it receives from the Aspen community. Parents, businesses, and volunteer organizations have recognized the positive impacts upon students and supported the program for many years. It is a community expectation that Aspen Middle School students participate in outdoor education. Efforts are made to ensure that all students are afforded the ability to go on these trips. Whether the support be in the form of scholarships, access to equipment, or encouragement, the community and Aspen Middle School have stepped up often to let it be known that this program is an integral part of the Aspen Middle School culture.
As the eighth-grade program developed successfully, trips were added to the other grade levels. Current trips include:
- Fifth-grade desert camping and exploring in Arches National Park, Utah
- Sixth-grade winter skiing to huts operated by the Tenth Mountain Division Hut Association
- Seventh-grade river rafting on the Colorado River in Utah
- Eighth-grade backpacking and basecamp experience in the Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness
For more information on this program, please view the contents of this website. For more specific information, contact the
Aspen Middle School principal at: 970/925-3760, ext. 2004 or contact grade level leaders of specific trips.
John Kuehlman and Griff Smith recount the history of the Aspen Middle School outdoor education program.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Thank you for helping to make this web site possible:
*George Baker for many fifth-grade photos.
*Neil Beidelman for many sixth-grade photos.
*Adam Gilbert for his video celebrating 50 years of eighth-grade outdoor education.
*Brandy Keleher for many eighth-grade photos and text.
*Anita Moose and Evan OBranovic for technical advice and support.
*The hundreds of Aspen community members and Aspen School District staff that support the outdoor education program and make it possible.