Purpose
What is its purpose? Mindfulness.
What do you do in S&R? S&R groups decide on S&R activities. Here are a few choices:
- Rock climbing (top-rope climbing, rapelling).
- Hiking the hills and valleys of New England.
- Camping, usually in the White Mountains.
- Orienteering or map & compass work.
- Backcountry first aid.
- Ropes course, including a 350 foot zip line.
- Initiative and problem-solving challenges.
- In late fall, early spring, and during the winter, CHILL OUT often makes ascents of peaks covered with ice and snow.
- In the winter, groups hike and camp in the snow in sub-zero conditions, make ascents of ice and snow covered mountains that may include the use of ice axes, snowshoes, crampons, cross country skis and sleds or toboggans.
How does an Andover student get in to S&R?
S & R is offered every term, Fall, Winter, and Spring. Phillips Academy students elect it just as they would any other sport, during the corse selection process.
The core program, meets on the average 4 times a week, from about 3-5 p.m., and normally involves at least one weekend overnight trip and one weekend day hike each term. This program introduces a wide range of activities and skills.
A higher level program offers similar activities but at a more frequent and intense level. In this program, students may take 2-3 weekend trips, with comp time during the week.
An advanced climbing focuses on advanced climbing techniques, setting anchors, and refining belay and rope skills.
Sea kayaking meets fewer times per week for longer periods. This is a larger time commitment, equal to a varsity sport.
In the fall, students take sea kayaks out to the archipelago off the Maine coast, testing skills developed in navigation, climate, tides and island camping.
Winter S&R takes 4 trips and trains and plans for a few hours each week prior to developing skills in snow shoeing, ice climbing, and winter hiking and camping.