This is a brief overview of the PCCS Adventure Program. You may obtain a complete copy of the Adventure Program from your child’s crew leader or the office. The complete version of the plan provides specific details on how each activity is carefully scaffolded to help students build skills needed for a lifelong relationship with the natural world. Please understand that, if an opportunity arises, a crew may wish to participate in an adventure activity that is not on this list.
Adventure activities are coordinated across all the grades from Kindergarten through eighth grade. They become progressively more challenging, building upon the previous years’ experiences. In addition, activities are consistent by grade level: All students on one level participate in the same activities. After each adventure, students have opportunities to reflect on their experiences, observations, and interactions with the natural world. Service projects and achievement standards may be incorporated into some activities. Throughout the program, outdoor safety and etiquette are emphasized. Etiquette for the Kindergartners includes leaving a place better than they found it, quiet voices, respect for wildlife/ habitat, use of restroom, staying with the group, etc. This repeating theme becomes more complex, culminating in 7th and 8th grade with weather watching, observation of human impact on the land, and may include service work to offset negative human impact.
The PCCS adventure program is an important part of our curriculum and it is not optional. Through adventure, our students reach personal goals, build confidence, learn how to work as a team, and become more supple learners and leaders. Although signed permission slips are often required for specific activities, it is our expectation that all PCCS students will participate in all adventure activities with their crew. If your child has a physical disability that would prevent him/her from participating in adventure activities, please let the crew leader know as soon as possible so we can make alternative arrangements. Please understand that alternative arrangements will not be made for students who choose not to participate in an activity or do not have a signed permission slip.
All students need the following items to participate in adventure activities:
- Sturdy hiking or athletic shoes, and hiking socks.
- Lace-up snow boots for snowshoeing, and wool or synthetic socks for warmth.
Other gear/equipment may be necessary for specific activities. Crew leaders will let you know what is needed. If you do not have, or are unable to purchase or borrow the items, please let the crew leader know as soon as possible. With enough notice, we are usually able to outfit everyone appropriately.
Kindergarten
- First Aid
- Outdoor Safety/Etiquette
- Sledding
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing
- Equipment Orientation
- Camping Planning and Preparation
- Camping Trip (one night – on school grounds or other nearby area)
Primary (1st/2nd)
- First Aid
- Outdoor Safety Etiquette
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Sledding
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing
- Use and Care of Adventure Equipment
- Camping Planning and Preparation
- Camping Trip (one night at established campground)
Intermediate (3rd/4th)
- First Aid
- Outdoor Safety and Etiquette
- Hiking
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming Lessons
- Indoor Rock Climbing
- Outdoor Rock Climbing
- Camping Planning and Preparation
- Camping (one or more nights)
Upper Elementary (5th/6th)
- First Aid
- Outdoor Safety and Etiquette
- Hiking
- Camping Planning and Preparation
- Remote or Dispersed Camping (not an improved campground)
- Outdoor Rock Climbing
- Snowboarding/Downhill Skiing Lessons
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Backpacking (one night)
Middle School (7th/8th)
- First Aid
- Outdoor Safety and Etiquette
- Hiking
- Camping Planning and Preparation
- Camping Trip
- Skiing (cross-country)
- Snowshoeing
- Swimming
- Backpacking (multi-night trip in road-less or wilderness area)