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OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Early in the school year each grade level in the Middle School participates in an outdoor education program. The eighth grade travels to the Sequoia National Park for a five-day back-pack trip through the Sierra, the seventh grade spends five days in canoes on the Colorado River, and the sixth grade spends three days in the Joshua Tree National Park for a camping, hiking, and climbing experience. All trips are led by professional naturalists assisted by Chandler faculty. These experiences provide a wonderful extension of our curriculum, the opportunity for the development of personal and group skills, and an appreciation of the wilderness and its stewardship.
Students in grades 6th, 7th and 8th participate in off-campus outdoor educational programs. The goals are to challenge each student by providing an environment that reinforces aspects of personal growth beyond the classroom; to develop a greater appreciation and understanding of the natural environment; and to build class unity, spirit and teamwork. These trips are an essential element of the school curriculum and all students are expected to participate. The trips are coordinated by The Boojum Institute for Experiential Education and chaperoned by their experienced naturalists and our own Chandler faculty.
6th Grade
In mid-October 6th Grade students participate in a 3-day, 2-night camping experience in Joshua Tree National Park. While using camping and instruction in desert ecology as the core curriculum, the students build communication skills, leadership skills and group cohesion. The activities include hiking, bouldering and basic rock climbing.
7th Grade
Shortly after the beginning of the school year 7th grade students participate in a trip on the Colorado River. For five-days, students canoe down the river. Students learn about the river’s ecology and develop stronger group re-lationships as well as personal self-reliance.
8th Grade
Shortly after the beginning of the school year 8th grade students participate in a five-day backpack trip through the Sequoia National Park/Kings Canyon area of the Sierra Nevada. Known as the Boojum trip, it is an exciting, challenging experience. It is an important opportunity to bring the class together as the students begin their final year at Chandler.
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