Together in the great outdoors
By Julie Matuszewski; photos courtesy of DCS Montessori
Low ropes challenges were just one of the activities the sixth grade students of DCS Montessori enjoyed during the annual outdoor education program.
For more than a decade, the DCS Montessori upper elementary staff have partnered with YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park for a week of outdoor education and adventure. Team building, ropes courses, hiking and games like capture the flag were designed with the intent to bring the upper elementary sixth grade classrooms together in preparation for middle school.
This year’s outdoor education students enjoyed exploration in elk ecology, montane forest ecology and animal tracking.
The week of outdoor education provided students with hands-on learning opportunities, adventure and creative expression. It was a time for the kids to enjoy not only a week away from the classroom, but to grow outside of their comfort zones. Cool mornings and evenings mixed with warm sunny fall days were the perfect backdrop for the full week of unity and friendship.
