School Spotlight: Park Center Takes Class Outdoors
Park Center High School offers Outdoor Adventure Class, where students get to explore outdoor spaces.
The class was made possible by a grant from an organization called Wilderness Inquiry.
All classes begin with a simple rule: no phones.
“We’re going to disconnect from technology, we’re going to go out and use a map and compass and learn a new skill you might use later in life,” said Chris Gudvangen, instructor.
CCX News tagged along with a group of students to one of three trips to Baker Park Reserve.
“The smiles on their faces haven’t quit since we got here,” said Gudvangen.
Gudvangen says the activities students have participated in have been varied.
Park Center students roll a giant snowball.
“They’ve been running around the woods geocaching, learning prehistory skills like shelter building or fire making,” said Gudvangen. “They cook their own dinner, cleaning. They’ve done everything on their own.”
Park Center students have enjoyed the class.
“I really like the outdoor activities and nature and this was an opportunity to learn new things,” said ninth-grader Malisa Chang. “It’s calm and refreshing and peaceful because we’re stuck in the cities with no nature around so being around nature is refreshing.”
Park Center Senior High School
