Higher Ground Learning marries academics and mother earth for a refreshing educational vision
Higher Ground Learning is proud to announce its line-up of expeditions for teens through our exciting program Learn Outdoors. We are closing the textbooks and taking class outside, offering students a chance to earn high school credit as we synthesize wilderness exploration with traditional academics.
Why Learn Outdoors?
Higher Ground Learning gives students educational opportunities that stimulate both the intellect and the imagination. Realizing that students have different needs, and the methods for meeting them are as diverse as the students themselves, we believe that outdoor education and adventure pursuits are an excellent vehicle for learning, growth, and empowerment, and that these opportunities should be available to all students, regardless of their financial ability.
All of our Learn Outdoors courses will enable students to:
  • Develop a continual and lasting relationship with the natural world.
  • Limit their impact on the environment and learn the principles of "Leave No Trace" wilderness ethics.
  • Safely engage in challenging outdoor activities, acquiring new skills that necessitate the use of effective communication and problem solving strategies.
  • Learn that collective participation is key to the success and achievement of the entire team.
  • Earn high school credit while engaging in fun and academic learning experiences with the expert instructors of Higher Ground Learning.
Learn Outdoors Testimonials
Sunshine Bellon
Senior at City Academy
Learn Outdoors program at Higher Ground Learning: 2008
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.
Alex Burg
Sophomore 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; it was 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.
Dayan Sauerbron
Junior at City Academy
Learn Outdoors program at Higher Ground Learning: 2008
I heard about Learn Outdoors Expeditions from the school when Danny came to my 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.
Get credit, have fun!
Upon successful completion of the course, high school credit is awarded to qualifying students. All courses meet the Utah core curriculum standards and are taught by experienced instructors. Our curriculum in ecology, physics, and environmental science augment traditional classroom science by integrating disparate subject matter in ways students can both understand and apply.
Scholarships
We are committed to enrolling students from all backgrounds on our expeditions. Scholarships and financial assistance are available to students with a demonstrated need. Please contact Higher Ground Learning for more information.
Go GREEN!
A priority of Learn Outdoors is to offset the carbon emissions of our trips. Students may travel in the legendary Biodiesel School Bus or participate in other "green" projects to minimize the environmental footprint of our trips, ultimately arriving to the rocks or the river EMISSION FREE!
Custom Courses
At Higher Ground Learning, the needs of the student always drive the curriculum. Similarly for our Learn Outdoors Program, the needs of individual schools and groups can be accommodated with customized trips, classes, and itineraries. Whether it is Snow Science and Avalanche Awareness, The Ecology of Fly Fishing, or Desert Backpacking and Geology, we can create curriculum and programs that suit your needs. Please contact us for more information.
Safety
The safety of our students is our number one priority. Comprehensive first aid kits accompany every trip and all of our instructors are trained in CPR and first aid, however most have advanced training in Wilderness First Response and Swiftwater Rescue.
Water and the West
Dates Spring/Fall Break 2009
Ages 13 & up
Registration One week prior to trip
Prices $795
Video Click to watch video: 9 MB - Be Patient
Join us for our popular sun-soaked river expedition. Beginning with a tour inside the mighty Hoover Dam, we will raft the reaches of the Colorado river, while exploring the hydrology resources and water issues impacting the residents and environments of the Four Corners region. Earn high school credit while you soak in hotsprings, swim, fish, and develop your outdoor skills.
The Ecology of Alternative Energy
Length 5 days
Dates June 29 - July 3, 2009
Ages 13 & up
Registration Deadline June 22, 2009
Prices $795
Join us for an exciting look into the rapidly developing field of alternative energy. Compare traditional power production methods to contemporary strategies like wind, solar, nuclear, bio-fuel, and hydro energy sources, all while participating in an expedition down one of the last free flowing, whitewater rivers of the American West.
Rock Climbing and Physics
Length 5 Days
Dates July 27 - 31, 2009
Ages 13 & up
Registration Deadline July 20, 2009
Prices $795
Video Click to watch video: 10 MB - Be Patient
What better place to apply physics than in the City of Rocks? Put on your harness,clip on your carabiner, and discover the forces - tension, compression, and friction - at work in rock climbing.
Partners
Click the images to visit our partner organizations
City Academy
Learn Outdoors
Leave No Trace - Center for Outdoor Ethics
Visions for Learning