Outdoor Education

In the grades 4-12 our outdoor education is a one to three day instructional time of living, learning and exploring the world God has given us.

In elementary (4-6) the students will spend one night and two days in the forest of Arizona hiking, performing team building work, performing science experiments, observing the heavens and enjoying campfires. Each year will be part of a three year cycle of instruction.

Seventh grade is a one-day trip to Tonto National Forest and the Johnston Ranch just outside of Sunflower, Arizona. The science teachers organize the daylong event of hiking, exploring, and activities. Set in teams, students work at an elevation of just over 4,000 feet along perennial Sycamore Creek. A Tonto National Forest ranger assists in the instruction.

Eighth grade explores the amazing Kartchner Caverns in southern Arizona. In this day long trip, the students spend time exploring these well preserved caverns.

Ninth grade expands their knowledge learned from their ninth grade science course of Biology by spending two nights and three days on a boat nestled in a cove off Catalina Island. Hands-on exploration and activities involving freshly caught marine animals, kayaking, and a visit to the Long Beach aquarium make this a unique and beneficial science opportunity.

Tenth grade enjoys a one-day/two-night trip to the forested mountains of Arizona for Sophomore Science Camp. Students work on expanding their science knowledge including astronomy through team work and outdoor activities with the traditional campfire and praise songs in the evening.

Eleventh grade travels to a local college to observe cadavers and learn how they are used in instruction for medical students. As the majority of our students plan to have a medical, math, or science major in college, this field trip provides useful knowledge and exposure to science in college.

The seniors, twelfth grade, exit our school spending two nights, three days with a creation scientist rafting down the Grand Canyon. The emphasis is on seeing first hand God’s amazing creation while expanding on science truths.