Outdoor Education
Chadwick's Outdoor Education Program introduces Village School students to the wonder and importance of nature.
Fully accredited by the Association for Experiential Education, it combines practical lessons around ecosystems, biology and sustainability with important life skills like self-reliance, respect and teamwork.
The program also progresses with each passing year, introducing students to new concepts, challenges and adventures.
When combined with our hands-on academics, athletics, global and arts education, Outdoor Education plays a powerful role in developing all aspects of the child and showing them that meaningful learning and reflection can take place anywhere.
Lower Village
Children know they love being outside, but what does “outside” really mean? The first few years of Outdoor Education focus on introducing foundational themes, such as sustainability, safety and respect. Students go on hikes, learn about gardening and plant cycles, do experiments and observe animals. In addition to field trips, many learning experiences are conducted in our own backyard in the Chadwick Canyon, featuring native vegetation and ecosystems.
Upper Village
The great outdoors really start to become great in grades three to five. Students go on hikes and field trips, explore the world of physics and astronomy, join forces for team-building and leadership activities, visit nearby facilities for hands-on STEM lessons and even take their first overnight trips. Chadwick third graders spend two nights at El Capitan focused on science and Native American culture. In fourth grade, they spend two nights at AstroCamp in Idyllwild, and in fifth grade, Chadwick students spend four nights at Pali Mountain Science Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains.
