The Sophomore Wilderness Expedition introduces students to an exciting
and rugged wilderness environment through outdoor activities while
emphasizing the development of a positive attitude toward challenging
situations. This is accomplished while simultaneously teaching specific
outdoor skills to meet the physical demands made by the
environment.
Wild weather including snow and high waters are not uncommon during the Sophomore Wilderness Expedition, and the students and staff who participate definitely have their work cut out for them. The staff and co-leaders are well-trained and prepared for anything. The expedition is always a wonderful opportunity for class bonding time, a lot of laughs, and forming new friendships.
On the Expedition, each hiking group will be led by one adult instructor and two student co-leaders. Much is asked of these instructors and co-leaders who make up our staff, so significant training is required of them.
Co-leaders are 11th and 12th grade students selected by a rigorous evaluation process. After submitting an application, applicants go through an interview and are vetted by our instructors. Information is gathered about them from their teachers and coaches before a final decision is made. They are then trained according to the posted schedule.
Instructors are ultimately in charge of each group, so they undergo additional training. All are either faculty members or people with experience leading groups of students in the wilderness. All receive medical certification as
Wilderness First Responders. Also, each year some instructors go to the
Wilderness Risk Management Conference, which is run by some of the top outdoor education companies in the country.
If you would like detailed information on the Expedition Staff Training Program, contact Bob McCormick, Outdoor Education Director, at
bmccormick@stevensonschool.org or 831-625-8379.
Follow the links on the right for more information.