1st - 8th Grade Trips

First Grade
The First Grade Trip is where it all starts with a day hike to Dripping Springs in Las Cruces, NM.  Students spend the afternoon on a teacher led hike that focuses on the natural surroundings and plant life along the trail at the base of the Organ Mountains.  The class travels in small groups and begins learning the basics of hiking and sound outdoor skills.  The highlight of the trip is “La Cueva.” This cave has a story all its own and one that is only made better by first graders.

Second Grade
The Second Grade class also undertakes a day hike; the destination is Hueco Tanks. The history of the land as well as the importance of its preservation is taught to students by the staff at Hueco Tanks while they take a “Rock Art” tour.  While having lunch off the trail these future explorers are introduced to “Leave No Trace” principles that will become a common theme on future trips. 

Third Grade
The Third Grade travels to the ruins at Gran Quivira where they study an ancient civilization and learn archeology first hand.  Students participate in an archaeological dig.  Shards of pottery and pieces of charcoal look like diamonds and gold as classmates find them under the dirt.  That night is spent in Ruidoso, NM, where everyone can rest for a big hike the next day.  The trails near Bonito Lake provide tremendous adventure and learning opportunities for the Third Grade.

Fourth Grade
The outdoor education experience is even greater for the Fourth Grade.  This is students’ first opportunity to spend the night in tents and for many, their first trip to Carlsbad Caverns.  On the way to Carlsbad the class stops at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.  An ambitious hike through McKittrick Canyon leads the class over hills and across creeks to Pratt Lodge where they have lunch and enjoy the scenery. That night is spent setting up camp and watching the bat flight. The second day is spent exploring Carlsbad Caverns. On the way home the stories of huge bats and wildlife encounters fill the bus.

Fifth Grade
The “Wild Wild West” is the theme for this event.  Fifth Grade makes a few different stops on this three day trip.  The first is in Lincoln, New Mexico, where a scavenger hunt through this Old West town illustrates the days of Billy the Kid and the Lincoln County War.  Day two is on the trails in Ruidoso hiking and learning how to care for the environment.  The third day is spent at White Sands National Monument exploring the dunes on a nature walk and having some fun.  Nights are spent at Bonita Park rock climbing and playing games.

Sixth Grade
Big Bend National Park is home for the Sixth Grade for three nights and four days.  Once again sleeping in tents, this trip provides a slightly more rugged experience than the trips for students in younger grades.  Big Bend gives the class a wonderful variety of terrain and opportunities, as well as unpredictable weather.  Activities include hikes that lead to spectacular views, canoeing through Santa Elena Canyon, and a trip to the natural hot springs.  Since the Big Bend Trip is tougher than previous trips, it gives students greater opportunities for growth.  The last afternoon is spent cooling off and swimming at Balmorhea State Park.  A few jumps off the diving board and a much needed shower are all the class requires for the ride home.

Seventh Grade
This is the latest addition to the Outdoor Education Program.  A four day, three night trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico, is the new Seventh Grade Trip.  Day One is spent at Rancho de las Golondrinas (Ranch of the Swallows), a living history museum just outside of Santa Fe.  Camp Stoney is the host facility and headquarters for all four days.  Days Two and Three are spent hiking and whitewater rafting. The final day is spent in Albuquerque at the Aquarium and Botanical Park.  This trip offers a variety of activities and environments to challenge students and prepare them for future opportunities. 

Eighth Grade
This is the culminating experience for our Outdoor Education program. The Eighth Grade spends ten days in Estes Park, Colorado. The trip is broken into two parts.  The first few days are spent at camp.  Here the focus is preparation and acclimatization to a new environment.  Around camp, students rock climb, participate in a challenge course, hike, and work together towards common goals. The second part of the trip is when all outdoor skills and ethics are put to the test.  In small groups, the class enters Rocky Mountain National Park for five days of backpacking.  Students carry their own weight, prepare their own meals, and set up their own tents.  The skills learned and the personal growth is tremendous.