Outdoor Education

A signature component of the St. James curriculum is the Outdoor Education program. All scholars participate in age-specific excursions that explore the greater world, making practical applications of lessons learned in the classroom. Jr. Kinder-3rd grade levels participate in field trips where parents are invited to attend. Starting in 4th grade, outdoor education trips are specifically coordinated with classroom curriculum, and are instructed by designated sponsors and faculty. Below are the planned excursions, by grade:

4th Grade: Trip to Camp Zephyr

The 4th grade Outdoor Education trip is a day long trip to Camp Zephyr – a Christian camp located off of Lake Corpus Christi. The camp encourages development in spiritual, intellectual, emotional, social, and physical areas. Scholars participate in both high and low ropes courses which help enhance their teamwork, trust, and problem-solving skills. This trip is the perfect introduction for what adventures scholars can expect in their upcoming 5th grade year when they begin overnight Outdoor Education trips.

5th Grade: Trip to Mo Ranch

Mo Ranch is located on 500 acres along the spring-fed Guadalupe River in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The skilled staff offers team-building programs, including a first-class low elements ropes course. Scholars spend three days and two nights fine tuning skills of archery and compass navigation, engaging in freshwater environmental studies, owl discovery projects, and stargazing.
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6th Grade: Trip to The Outdoor School

The Outdoor School is just what its name implies: A place where kids can see, hear, touch, smell, even taste nature. A place where they can learn about themselves, their natural environment with their friends while participating in fun and educational outdoor activities. From learning about the nitrogen cycle, to catching their first fish, to seeing the Milky Way in all its’ wonder, this trip is one our scholar will never forget.

7th Grade: Trip to Austin, Camp Eagle, San Antonio

Seventh Grade scholars spend one full day in the city of Austin, our state capitol. Guided on a full tour of the capitol building, scholars will get a close up look at the legislative branch of our state government. Then, just across the street, they will interact with “the story of Texas” at the expansive and comprehensive Bob Bullock Museum. That evening, scholars retreat to the Hill Country to Camp Eagle, where they spend two days as outdoor adventurers or extreme sport enthusiasts. Relationship building activities are at the heart of Camp Eagle and scholars are encouraged to think and engage morally, spiritually, and relationally on a deeper level. The trip concludes with for a tour of the Alamo and the San Juan Missions in San Antonio.

8th Grade: Mo Ranch – August

Eighth grade scholars begin the year with a two day/one night trip to Mo Ranch for an intensive time of team building. Through the skilled instruction of the Mo Ranch staff, scholars are led through a series of challenge courses including the high elements ropes course. In the safety and serenity of the scenic landscape, our scholars are given opportunities to intentionally develop trust, self-esteem, dignity, respect, and compassion for others.

8th Grade: Trip to Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. – April

This six day/five night trip is the culmination of our Outdoor Education programs. Scholars arrive in Philadelphia for two days, for a tour of the city, receiving an intensive look into the minds of some of the great men and women who fought for freedom and liberty. They will hear stories of Colonial America, relive the emotional climate and patriotism of the times, and rediscover the hopes and dreams the founders had for their new nation. Visits to the Founding Fathers Place, the Liberty Bell, and the Rocky Statue help comprise this rich glimpse into our nation’s history and the City of Brotherly Love. The following three days are spent in Washington, D.C., exploring the world-renowned museums, the Smithsonian, the National Cathedral, Arlington Cemetery, the Capitol and the White House.
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