The Outdoor Program:
Two programs, afternoon and weekend fit student needs

The Milton Academy Outdoor Program, directed by Matt Bingham (science department), connects students with the outdoors so they will appreciate the back country for sport, beauty, contemplation and camaraderie. In addition to meeting these goals, the Outdoor Program teaches students responsibility, taking intelligent risks and trusting themselves and others.

The Program, staffed by qualified members of the faculty and instructors from outside the school, has two main sub sections: the after school program and the weekend program.

The after school program, with different components that parallel the athletic seasons, takes advantage of Milton’s proximity to the Blue Hills and coastal waterways. In the fall, students hike, rock-climb and learn to orient themselves in the Blue Hills. In the winter, students use Milton’s indoor climbing wall to learn the basics of climbing. In the spring, students utilize nearby indoor pools, lakes, bays and even the open ocean to put their sea-kayaking skills to the test.

The after school program is based on a logical progression of skill building; students become competent in harnesses, knots, and belaying, for instance, before they move on to basic climbing skills. Throughout the season, the work on skills and different techniques prepares students for the season’s culminating trip, often weekend-long, in Maine or New Hampshire. In addition to learning the correct terms for equipment and techniques, how to set up a tent, what to pack for the hike, how to dress, go to the bathroom in the woods, and stay hydrated and hygienic, students also work on concepts of group cohesiveness and leadership. Students sign up for these activities directly with Matt Bingham.  Participation in any of the three seasons earns PE credit.

The weekend program, more recreational in nature, is geared toward the beginner. These weekend day trips are open to all Upper School students on a first-come, first–served basis. They include hiking, climbing, snow-shoeing, backpacking, and sea kayaking. The weekend trips are free and the gear is provided, the students only need to come appropriately dressed for the activity at hand.

In addition to familiarizing students with the beauty and wonder of the great outdoors, the Outdoor Program challenges students mentally and physically. Students have said that they come away with a new sense of confidence.

Outdoor activities present both real and perceived dangers.  We start all activities on what risks exist during the activity.  We teach safety systems that mitigate the risks, always starting with attaining a comfort level with safety equipment,” says Matt. “As a result of attention to risk management, outdoor education nationwide is statistically less dangerous than playing many high school sports [Milton’s Outdoor Program has never had a significant injury]. We want students to be able to recognize risks and learn to manage them effectively. This is a particularly crucial skill in an activity such as rock climbing, but it is just as important a skill in the academic and social lives of adolescents.”

Outdoor Program instructors take courses though the AMGA (American Mountain Guides Association), the ACA (American Canoe Association), and NOLS (National Outdoor Leadership School) to learn new skills. Theyoften find that by observing other instructors’ methods for illustrating techniques or making an important point about safety, they become better instructors themselves.

Parents must give permission for students to partake in both the after school and weekend programs on the Outdoor Program permission form, available in the summer mailing to families.