The Outdoor Program is an integral part of the Realms education and participation in all programs is expected. We believe that every student has his/her own talents and strengths; and that while some of these talents are easily identified in an academic environment, others are not.  On any outdoor adventure, whether it be a one-day field trip or a month-long excursion, students engage in activities that bring real meaning to their study of nature, art, science, literature, music, history and culture.  These integrated and enriching activities round out the opportunities for growth each student has. As a result, talents otherwise hidden become strengths that add richness and direction to their lives.

Just like academics at Realms, and in line with the Outward Bound Expeditionary Learning philosophy, each grade and trip aims to achieve learning targets that are specific to the Outdoor Program.  Some learning targets are very specific outdoor skills such as pitching a tent or cross-country skiing and other targets reach skills like leadership, self-awareness, environmental ethics and other qualities that might not always develop in the classroom.  Each yearʼs trips and activities are designed to build on previous years and to give students a progression from pre-school to 12th grade.  Some core foci of our trips are safety, outdoor skills, inter/intra-personal skills, leadership, environmental appreciation and protection, natural & cultural history of the area, and integration of classroom topics.

With this in mind, Realms outdoor experiences generally incorporate several different components. A backpacking trip, for example, challenges the students’ physical strength and endurance, teaches the importance of being positive with oneself and others, requires a positive attitude, reveals to the students their own deep source of inner strength, develops cooperation and leadership in those who are able to think beyond themselves, teaches outdoor skills that build confidence and competence, encourages responsibility as the students learn to take care of themselves, their equipment, and their food, and creates a wonderful opportunity to extend their classroom into the world.  Whether experienced in first grade or tenth grade, our Outdoor Program is a very unique application within gifted education; the powerful effect it has on the students lasts a lifetime.