Travel/Adventure Learning

 

 

The ABLE (Adventure-Based Learning Experiences) program is devoted to enhancing critical skills and self-concepts that contribute to success within academic classes and outside of the school environment.

 

The ABLE program strives to provide diverse experiences from 1-day programs in Middle School through longer Upper School international expeditions. We believe every student can benefit from experiential education, and offer options so these courses are accessible to all students.

 

We offer local, 2-day courses in hiking and boating so students can build skills and confidence at their own pace. Longer day programs expose students to ropes courses, rock climbing, biking, and other local adventures.

 

For a fully immersive experience, we offer overnight trips. This year's offerings include bike camping along the C&O Canal Trail in Maryland or the Pine Creek Rail Trail in Pennsylvania, camping and hiking on the island of Kona, Hawaii, a winter expedition in upstate New York, and camping, hiking, and horseback riding in Joshua Tree National Park. These trips change and rotate. Other recent experiences have included mountain biking in Moab, Utah, and exploring the Galapagos Islands. In coming years, we may offer sailing in the Bahamas and backpacking in Peru.

 

Through all of these options, students are guided to support each other and challenge themselves to see what they are truly capable of.

 

Most ABLE trips are covered by tuition, however, there are additional costs for trips with air travel. Financial Aid for ABLE trips that involve a travel fee may be available to students who qualify. 

 

 

ABLE courses must be scheduled to take place before the end of a student's junior year in order for student choices to be given priority; seniors who have not fulfilled their ABLE requirement will be placed by the ABLE director in an ABLE experience during the fall trimester of their senior year. Individuals may request additional courses after completing one required course and will be enrolled when there is space available in a requested class. Priority for placement in ABLE courses for students in grades 9-11 will be managed as follows:

• Rising/current 11th graders will be given first priority when choosing an ABLE course so long as their choice is made no later than the first trimester of their junior year
• Rising/current 9th and 10th graders will be assigned an ABLE course on a first-come, first-served basis based on their selected preferences