Lakeside School Outdoor Program

Logistics

Prior to every trip, students work together to learn the essentials of food planning and packing. Students learn the skills necessary to function in the outdoors and also learn how to lead a healthful life style and experience the benefit of living simply.

Every program includes time for self-reflection. Students participate in guided reflection on what they have done, what it means, and how they will use it after the course. Typically, a service learning session is scheduled to allow for the opportunity to learn more about the environment and to give back by performing some task that is needed.

The Upper School program starts with a student/parent meeting during which the trip is introduced, expectations are outlined, slides shown, equipment list reviewed, and an extensive question and answer period takes place. As preparation for the overnight trips, Middle School students learn to set up tents, plan meals for a big group, and brainstorm ways to include everyone in group activities.

Middle School teachers from all grades take their classes outside for sessions of problem-solving and cooperative games with the goal of developing intellectually capable students with creative minds and healthy bodies.

Lakeside has a telephone line specifically designed to let parents/guardians know when and where to pick up students returning from various trips. Trip leaders call the number as they head back to Lakeside, and will leave a message giving estimated time of arrival and student pick-up location.

For more information on the Upper School program, please contact Chip Mehring at chip.mehring@lakesideschool.org or 206-440-2751. For information on the Middle School program, contact Jara Popelkova at jara.popelkova@lakesideschool.org or 206-440-2878.