"I heard about the Learn Outdoors expedition through former teachers, Shea Pickelner and Suzi Montgomery. I decided to go because the outdoor expedition part of it sounded fun and I trusted that it would actually be cool and fun because I had done stuff with Higher Ground Learning before. I have no money, but I was pretty sure that I would be able to go. I had access to Suzi who gave me confidence that she could get me financial aid. Everything that I have done with Higher Ground so far has been through financial aid.
I went on the Ecology of Alternative Energy class in Moab, which was beautiful and I didn't want to leave at the end. I wanted my teepee and to set it up right there. My practically best friend came and the instructors were cool and other students were cool. I feel like this kind of thing attracts the type of people that I like to it. I was there for a week- well five days.
I have never really liked Algebra but I really like Geometry -it always made sense to me. I can see how Geometry applies outside of the classroom -it seems to have more practical application. Physics is the same. I do better in classes that seem more logical -where I am doing something that I will be able to use. My science teacher at City Academy uses a lot of practical application. Her classes are very rigorous, but I like them for the most part. On the expedition on the river, the instructors presented the science in a way that was easy to get passionate about... it was about environmentalism in your backyard. You feel you can actually have an impact. The instructors not only taught me "this is what this means" but also, 'this is why it is important."
The kayaking was amazing- when I think about having free time in the summer, that is what I want to do. Also, it was a good friendship building thing -Kim and I realized we could actually do something well together. We were actually good at it.
My school supports this kind of education -I love it. It is what I am used to so it is not new, but that doesn't mean that it isn't impressive every time. It is a matter of sitting at a desk memorizing equations cause you have to, or whether you would rather be at a desk memorizing equations so you can build a roller coaster or throw stuff off a roof.
I would go again were it not my senior year. I would tell my friends for good company because it was fun."
--Sunshine Bellon, Senior at City Academy, Learn Outdoors Program at Higher Ground Learning 2008

"I heard about the Learn Outdoors program through a school presentation. It looked sick. Also I needed physics credit and got it. Financial aid played a large role in my going on the trip. I went on the rock climbing and physics trip at the City of Rocks. There were 10 of us all together.
All of the things we did during the trip in math and science was a test of remembrance of my 2007 physics class. Zac, the Higher Ground instructor, did it a lot more interactively and it was more fun and interesting- like a game we played called Mafia. I really enjoyed the rock climbing routes and the singing we did.
I really liked it much more interesting than regular school. Math can be easy and fun if you have a good teacher, but hell ya, I would get my crew to come with me next time. Financial aid and more days at the destination would even be better."
--Alex Burg, Sophomore at City Academy, Learn Outdoors Program at Higher Ground Learning, 2008

"I heard about Learn Outdoors Expeditions from the school when Danny came to me school and showed us about it. I went because of the fun, sport and the credit- all that in one thing was so cool. The financial aid helped me go on all of the trips this year. For the Water in the West trip to the Colorado River, I got to go on my spring break. I went with other kids I had never met. The water was cold and fun.
The math and science that I take in class are fun, but with more focus on the book and knowing it. The science on the trip was different and fun: instead of knowing what it is, you apply more of what you know. Knowing is one thing; doing is another. The fun of it all is what sticks out in my mind. And, getting credits for rafting is always awesome. This form of education should be applied in a normal school because it helps anyone learn. Now I know that all around me, every second of every year, science and math are all around us... you just need to look!
I would go again. I just need more of my friends going with me on the trips. If I have my friends there then the trips will rock my socks!!!! Really, it changed my life- my mind, my spirit, my outlook on myself. I felt like I achieved something on the trip and there was respect for all there. I can't explain it well, but my whole self changed -it was great, just great."
Dayan Sauerbrom, Junior at City Academy, Learn Outdoors Program at Higher Ground Learning, 2008

“I’d like to thank you for the wonderful work you and your staff did with our students. They had a great experience; one they’ll remember for a lifetime. We’ll certainly plan on working with you again in the future.”
--Barclay Mackinnon, Headmaster, The Oliverian School, New Hampshire

I wanted to take the opportunity to express my sincere gratitude and
appreciation for the help your wonderful staff and students gave my mother and my family during our hike out of Havasu Canyon. Without your help we would have been stranded in the canyon overnight. You are truly blessed to have such fine young people in your midst.
--Injured hiker and family from Savannah Georgia after being carried to safety by a Learn Outdoors group.

“My instructors were great! They were well prepared and ready for anything. It was an absolutely fabulous experience.”
--Kate, 15, Kayaking, Surfing and Van Touring Participant

“I am usually depressed here at [school] and this trip made it all go away. I brought a positive feeling to myself from this trip.”
--Anonymous, Yet Very Successful Participant, 16

Adolescence is a time of great possibility. A time when a sense of their own identity both broadens and deepens. Learn Outdoors provides both the setting and experience to facilitate that process.
--Mary Orlando, Villa Montessori School, AZ., 1999 Milken Award Winner

“Our kids really had a great time with you and your staff. It was right in line with what we are trying to do here at our school.”
--Nadine O’Brien, Principal, Oak Creek Ranch School, AZ

“They did a great job teaching us. The food was great. It was the most fun I ever had at school!”
--Derek, 17 Snowboarding student

“Our trip was amazing. The desert was dry and very exhausting but we all made it and it was incredible. You should definitely do this trip again!”
--Declan, 16, Canyoneering and Canoeing student