Search and Rescue Outdoor Programs

The Three Seasons of Search & Rescue

Fall

The first season of the academic year features JUST OUT, the core version of the program. JUST OUT provides an introduction to hiking, no-trace camping, orienteering, canoeing, rock climbing, and first aid. Groups also do a variety of complex problem-solving activities meant to build resourcefulness, self-reliance, and teamwork. These include a ropes course replete with a 300' zip-line and other high elements, a wall, Mohawk walk, vertical playpen, aerial walk, trust fall and others. Many of the elements of Absolute S&R are shown in the following photos. As interest, numbers, and instructor availability permit, we occasionally offer specialized groups in the fall. Some might take more frequent overnight hikes, other might emphasize canoeing or rock climbing.

Winter

While many students and faculty head indoors for the colder months, CHILL OUT mounts an ambitious agenda of outdoor experiences. Though not for the faint of heart, Winter S&R is not about survival, but rather about how to enjoy the woods and mountains at times when they are most beautiful. Team-building activities remain as important in the winter as they are in other terms. Meant to build resourcefulness, self-reliance, and cooperation, they include a ropes course replete with a 350' zip-line and other high elements, a wall, Mohawk walk, vertical playpen, aerial walk, trust fall, and many others. The focus, however, is on skills needed to travel and live safely in severe cold weather. Snowshoe and crampon use, winter camping, self-arrest with ice axe, navigation on unmarked terrain, first aid, nutrition, and careful trip planning. We go to the White Mountains of New Hampshire or the Greens of Vermont every other weekend from January through February. Hard work, lots of fun, and the ultimate team sport as each of us looks out for the other. Students organize and run the final trip on their own, though adult instructors remain present at all times to insure safety.

Spring

The final season of the year is much like the first. We offer JUST OUT, WORKING OUT and ROCKS, which provide an introduction to hiking, no-trace camping, orienteering, canoeing, rock climbing, and first aid. Groups also do a variety of complex problem-solving activities meant to build resourcefulness, self-reliance, and teamwork. These include a ropes course replete with a 350' zip-line and other high elements, a wall, Mohawk walk, vertical playpen, aerial walk, trust fall and others. As in the fall, if interest, numbers, and instructor availability permit, we occasionally offer specialized groups. Some might take more frequent overnight hikes, others might emphasize canoeing.

ROCKS is a specialized group led by an experienced instructor. As its name implies, the focus is on climbing. Trips are made to nearby sites as well as to more distant ones along the Massachussetts and New Hampshire seacoasts as well as into the mountain areas of both states.