Course Details:

Expedition Leadership Class is an exciting and immersive homeschool enrichment adventure course designed for students who are looking to enhance their leadership skills and learn about outdoor expeditions. This course will take students on two thrilling trips, one in the fall and one during spring break.

The first trip, scheduled for August, is a quintessential road trip that takes adventurers through a curated selection of America's natural wonders, including majestic national parks, epic climbing areas, classic canyoneering adventures, and the surf-laden shores of California. Over the course of one week, this expedition is designed to be a comprehensive exploration of the great outdoors, where students will engage with various landscapes and activities that challenge and inspire. From scaling towering rock formations and navigating intricate canyons to catching waves on California's iconic beaches, the journey is crafted to not only teach technical outdoor skills but also foster leadership, communication, and teamwork. Participants will be immersed in diverse natural environments, applying their newfound skills in real-world situations that demand cooperation, problem-solving, and resilience. This road trip is an ode to adventure, exploration, and the communal spirit of discovering the untamed beauty of the United States together.

The second trip, over spring break, will take students to the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. This one-week trip will be a combination of adventure and humanitarian work. Students will explore the natural beauty of Puerto Rico by engaging in activities such as hiking, kayaking, and snorkeling. They will also have the opportunity to give back to the local community by participating in humanitarian work, such as rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters. Through this experience, students will gain a deeper understanding of the importance of community service, as well as the cultural and ecological diversity of the region.

Throughout the course, students will be guided by experienced outdoor educators who are passionate about teaching students leadership skills through adventure-based learning. The course is open to students of all levels of experience and physical ability. By the end of the course, students will have developed leadership skills, confidence, resilience, and a love of the great outdoors.

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Trip Logistics:

Dates:

Trip 1, Road Trip: Colorado - California, August 4th - 10th

Mandatory Class Planning Trip, Colorado Springs- Monday, Sept 30, 2024

Trip 2, Puerto Rico  - March 21 - March 28th, 2025

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Students can expect to learn and develop the following skills:

1. Leadership: Students will develop their leadership skills through experiential learning activities and by taking on leadership roles in group projects and outdoor activities.
2. Communication: Students will learn how to communicate effectively with their peers, instructors, and members of the community they will work with during the humanitarian work in Puerto Rico.
3. Teamwork: Students will have ample opportunity to work in teams, solve problems, and make decisions together.
4. Outdoor skills: Students will learn technical skills related to canyoneering, such as knots, anchor systems, rappelling, river crossing, and swimming techniques. They will also develop other outdoor skills such as navigation, camping, and cooking.
5. Cultural competency: Students will gain an understanding of cultural diversity through their interactions with the local communities in Puerto Rico.
6. Environmental stewardship: Students will learn about the natural environment, and how to care for it. They will participate in conservation efforts in Puerto Rico.
7. Humanitarian work: Students will participate in humanitarian work, such as rebuilding efforts in areas affected by natural disasters, and learning about the importance of giving back to the community.

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Physical Requirements:

Given the nature of the activities involved in the Expedition Leadership Class, it is recommended that students have a moderate to high level of physical fitness. This is necessary to ensure that they are able to safely participate in outdoor activities, as well as to derive maximum benefit from the experience. Specific physical requirements for the class could include:

1. Ability to hike: Students should be able to walk comfortably for extended periods of time, including on uneven terrain and in high-altitude environments.
2. Strength and endurance: Students should have sufficient strength and endurance to engage in physical activities such as rappelling, climbing, and swimming.
3. Agility and coordination: Students should be able to maneuver through narrow canyon spaces, climb over rocks, and navigate through swift water with coordination and agility.
4. Health and medical considerations: Students should be in good health with no major medical issues that could limit their ability to participate in outdoor activities. Students with medical concerns should consult with their physician before participating in the class.

It is important to note that the Expedition Leadership Class is designed to accommodate students of all levels of physical ability. However, students should be prepared to engage in physical activities and should be committed to improving their physical fitness as necessary to participate fully in the course.

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Cost:

There is no cost to the student because this class is a program of the Colorado Homeschool Enrichment. CHE is a publicly funded program to benefit homeschooled and private school students with programs to enrich their standard course load.  All students must enroll with CHE starting in the summer to be prepared to start class in the fall. Eligible students must NOT be enrolled in any other publicly funded program at the time of enrollment.  

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Cost Disclaimer:

Please note that students who wish to participate in the Expedition Leadership Class must not be enrolled in publicly funded programs during the 2024-2025 school year. Additionally, attendance at the mandatory September 30th activity is required for eligibility to attend the trip.

Students who attend the first-week trip but then fail to attend the September 30th activity or enroll in another publicly funded program will be required to pay a fee of $1500 for the week one trip and will not be eligible to attend the Puerto Rico trip.

We appreciate your understanding and compliance with these policies as they are necessary for the successful implementation of the program and to ensure fairness to all participants.