"Some of the most important things you will learn can never be taught in a classroom."
Brandy Keleher, eighth-grade teacher, 2016
Brandy Keleher, eighth-grade teacher, 2016
AMS 8th Grade ODE from Adam Gilbert on Vimeo.
During the eighth-grade outdoor education trip students are challenged to work in small cooperative groups while developing problem solving skills, tolerance, and tenacity. Multiple patrols, each consisting of eight students and two highly trained co-leaders, travel on different routes throughout the local Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness. While trekking, approximately 25 miles through the wilderness, each student partakes in an overnight solo experience. The solo provides a powerful opportunity for personal reflection and contemplation about what is truly important in life for each student.
Following the three to four nights in the backcountry, all patrols eventually arrive at a shared destination, commonly known as "Basecamp", just outside of Marble, Colorado. While at Basecamp for two days, students work together with community volunteers and guides from the American Mountain Guide Association on high ropes and group initiative activities.
According to Craig Rogers, former Aspen Middle School Principal and eighth-grade teacher, “Eighth-grade outdoor education is a powerful and life changing experience for students. The program provides challenges and significant growth opportunities for every student involved. For some students, the main challenge is the trek through the backcountry over high-mountain passes; for others, it may be the ropes or team-building initiatives. For many, the pivotal challenge that promotes character growth occurs with individual reflection while on solo in the wilderness. The program is also an exceptional avenue for students and staff to develop relationships. Strong peer and student-teacher rapport promotes increased growth and achievement both in and out of the classroom.”
“It is rare for a public school to be able to provide a program like this.” says Rogers, “Eighth-grade 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 the Aspen community as a whole.”
Following the three to four nights in the backcountry, all patrols eventually arrive at a shared destination, commonly known as "Basecamp", just outside of Marble, Colorado. While at Basecamp for two days, students work together with community volunteers and guides from the American Mountain Guide Association on high ropes and group initiative activities.
According to Craig Rogers, former Aspen Middle School Principal and eighth-grade teacher, “Eighth-grade outdoor education is a powerful and life changing experience for students. The program provides challenges and significant growth opportunities for every student involved. For some students, the main challenge is the trek through the backcountry over high-mountain passes; for others, it may be the ropes or team-building initiatives. For many, the pivotal challenge that promotes character growth occurs with individual reflection while on solo in the wilderness. The program is also an exceptional avenue for students and staff to develop relationships. Strong peer and student-teacher rapport promotes increased growth and achievement both in and out of the classroom.”
“It is rare for a public school to be able to provide a program like this.” says Rogers, “Eighth-grade 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 the Aspen community as a whole.”
In September, 2017, many former "ODE Oldtimers" gathered at Basecamp to celebrate 50 years of eighth-grade outdoor education. Due to the dedication and efforts of these individuals (and countless others), the program is thriving and highly successful. At the 50th celebration, it was announced that the Marble Basecamp was purchased, with assistance from the Chapin Wright Foundation and the Aspen Valley Land Trust. This will allow not only the Aspen School District to use the property, but it is available for other school districts and their outdoor education endeavors.
Left to right: Ruthie Wade, John Dodds, Tom Detweiler, Griff Smith, John Kuehlman, Mike Flynn, and Craig Rogers.
Left to right: Ruthie Wade, John Dodds, Tom Detweiler, Griff Smith, John Kuehlman, Mike Flynn, and Craig Rogers.