Choose your own Adventure!

Each year we serve 3,500 students in our residential environmental education program. Our teaching is done “in the field” through hands-on learning activities that take place on hikes to exciting backcountry destinations. Students hike and learn in study groups of 8-11 students, 1 school chaperone, and an AMC educator. The larger group will convene for meals and sometimes evening activities but can be together more often if desired.

Programs with A Mountain Classroom are unique in that each school has the freedom to design their own experience. Teachers choose the location, curriculum, and length of program that best suits the needs and goals of their school.

Pick a destination!
Choose from 7 locations in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts; one of our 8 Backcountry Huts, Pinkham Notch, Highland Center, Cardigan Lodge, one of the 3 Maine Lodges, or Noble View Outdoor Center.

How many nights?
We recommend a four day program as our best option. This allows two full days of adventure and learning between the arrival and departure days and is great option for teachers looking for an in-depth academic program. However, we offer programs from 1-5 days and can also design options for multiple visits during a school year.

Design the curriculum!
Although each Mountain Classroom program is custom designed to fit a school’s goals, all programs incorporate aspects of our trilateral educational framework:

• Direct Engagement in the Natural World
• Improved Environmental Literacy
• Community Enhancement

Teachers can choose from our existing curricular strands or suggest their own. We work closely with each school to determine the content that will best suit their students assist with meeting state curriculum standards. Please contact us at any time if with further questions about options for program content.

Something to note…
Weather conditions in the mountains are unpredictable and winter weather can occur in spring or fall. Check local weather in the White Mountains >> 

You will be provided with a clothing list to help prepare students for the experience. Students may borrow AMC’s outdoor clothing such as rain suits, sleeping bags, or backpacks to make outfitting for the trip easier. Our lessons generally take place outdoors regardless of the weather. In case of severe weather, plans may be altered and indoor alternatives will be offered.

A Mountain Classroom offers two main curricular strands, Ecology and Earth Science and Outdoor Education, Teambuilding, and Leadership.  Lessons are integrated throughout our programs and predominately take place outdoors. As part of their experience, students conduct hands-on explorations of the natural world, strengthen problem-solving skills, build community, and have fun! 

We work with you to design experiences that complement your curriculum goals and address state frameworks. Many teachers opt to combine programming elements.  

Core Beliefs

• Developing environmental literacy is dependent on well-designed field activities that contribute to a well-balanced education.
• Education can be active, engaging and relevant and can stimulate the mind, body and soul.
• Experiences in nature support wellbeing.
• Stewardship of the environment grows from direct, positive experiences in the outdoors complemented by an understanding of our physical and emotional connections to the natural world.  

Core Pedagogical Practices

All programs share these teaching methodologies:

• Experiential activities set in the beauty of the New Hampshire's mountains.
• Multi-disciplinary lessons designed to meet diverse learning styles.
• Active exploration of inspiring natural areas. 
• Challenge and success for all participants.  

Ecology and Earth Science
Basic ecology is the platform from which students investigate these options more fully.

• Forest and Wildlife Ecology
• Watershed and Water Conservation
• Geology
• Mountain Weather and Meteorology
• Climate and Climate Change
• Winter Ecology  

Outdoor Education, Teambuilding, and Leadership

• Hiking/Backpacking/Snowshoeing
• Map and Compass (mathematics applications)
• Teambuilding and Leadership
• Leave No Trace – Wilderness Ethics  

Evening Programs 

• Night Hike
• Whuite Mountain Maddness
• Skins and Skulls
• Amphibians (spring only)
• Town Meeting
• Campfire
• Joe Lentini Presentation
• Stars and Stories
• Educator Choice

Who Are We?

A Mountain Classroom’s administrators and field educators are a dedicated group of professionals who have years of experience in the field of outdoor and environmental education.

Field Educators
Our field educators, many of whom have been with the AMC for multiple seasons, are enthusiastic professionals who have chosen the outdoors and experiential education as their method for teaching students. They are college graduates with relevant degrees, field experience, wilderness first aid certificates, and training in our program curricula, teaching philosophy, and White Mountain ecology. They share a commitment to the enrichment of students’ lives and a desire to use the wonder of the outdoors to teach ecological concepts.

Andrea Muller, North Country Youth Education Director
Andrea holds a BS in Economics and Sociology from Mount Holyoke College, an MS in Educational Leadership from Plymouth State University, and a Wilderness First Aid certification. Andrea’s past workplaces include the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston, the Patriots Trail Girl Scout Council, and an experiential education organization in New Jersey. For the past 18 years however, the call of environmental education in the North Country has held Andrea at the AMC. After three years as an instructor, Andy became a program administrator and now directs AMC’s A Mountain Classroom and Teen Wilderness Adventures programs.

Mike Dufilho, Mountain Classroom Coordinator for Pinkham, the Huts, and Maine
Mike holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Education and a B.A. in English Literature as well as a Wilderness First Responder certification. His life as an instructor brought him to environmental education schools all over the country in Washington, South Carolina, Maine and NH. Mike was an instructor for both the Mountain Classroom and Teen Wilderness Adventures programs before moving into the office as an administrator. In his free time Mike enjoys exploring the lesser travelled paths of the White Mountain National Forest with his wife and baby daughter.

Heidi Magario, Mountain Classroom Coordinator for Highland Center and Cardigan
Heidi has a BS from the University of Vermont where she studied Natural Resources, Ecology, and Wildlife as well as a Wilderness First Responder. Since graduating from college she has continued pursuing her two passions of travel and education working and travelling throughout North America and as well as parts of South and Central America. Heidi was an instructor for Mountain Classroom and Teen Wilderness Adventures as well. On Teen Wilderness trips, she went by the name “Cook” and her co-instructor, Mike Dufilho, was known as “Beardo.”

If you are looking for employment, learn about our seasonal instructor positions in spring and fall here >>

The Appalachian Mountain Club is committed to providing quality, educational experiences for youth at affordable rates.  Fees vary depending on lodging options selected. 

 

2012 A Mountain Classroom Rates
Duration	Per Student Rates
2 days/1 night	$76-$87
3 days/2 nights	$129-$153
4 days/3 nights	$181-$222
5 days/4 nights	$235-$300

• Overnight fees include instruction, all meals from the first day's dinner to the last day's lunch, lodging, and equipment rental. 
• One chaperone for every ten students may attend at no cost.  Additional chaperones pay the student rate.
• Payment in full is expected between 60 – 30 days in advance of the program start date.
• Due to weekday discounts, programs using Friday and/or Saturday nights have higher fees than those listed above.  Call for exact fees if your stay may include a Friday or Saturday night.  

Fundraising Ideas

We have pulled together a list of funders who may help pay for your AMC trip.  Although we know of groups using all of these sources, we cannot guarantee you will be awarded money.  It is worth the effort.  Many schools have established yearly gift arrangements, which make the process easier.  There may also be grant sources available in your community.  Before applying, visit the funder's web site to review the application process and the funding guidelines.  Also, feel free to contact us for wording regarding the A Mountain Classroom program that could expedite the application process.   Much of fund raising is about connections.  Which parent, teacher or the community member knows the "right" person to ask or knows what the inside process is?  Consider a way the kids could give back to the community to strengthen the appeal, then make it part of the proposal.

• Local Civic Organizations– Knights of Columbus, VFW, Eastern Star, American Legion, Rotary Club, Lion's Club, Elks, Kiwanas Club, Conservation Commission  
• Local Businesses–Banks, Restaurants, Hotel Chains, Chamber of Commerce, etc.  
• School–Parent/teachers organization.  
• Parents–In many schools, parents pay for all or part of the program.  Please consider ways to include all students regardless of parental resources.  AMC can often provide some scholarship money to help families who could not meet this request.  
• Wal-Mart has a Community Giving Grant Program.  The Wal-Mart foundation will make donations to K-12 public schools.  Guidelines are on their website.  Call your local Wal-Mart or Sam's Club and ask for the community involvement coordinator at the store to help with specifics.
  
• Drug Prevention Awareness Grants
• Wellness and Health Education Grants

For Parents

Getting ready!

• Packing Lists:
• • Backcountry Huts
  • Pinkham Notch Visitor Center
  • Highland Center in Crawford Notch
  • Cardigan Lodge
  • Maine Lodges
  • Noble View Outdoor Center
  • Check the Weather in New Hampshire before you arrive >>
• Get outside! Taking walks around the neighborhood or a local park or forest is a great way to prepare physically for the trip and have fun at the same time!

While They’re Away

We know it’s tough to send your kids away overnight. Remember, they’re having a once-in-a-lifetime experience with their friends from school. Here’s some information to curb your worries.

• Along with the adults sent from your child’s school, they will be hiking and learning with experienced AMC Instructors. See our "Staff" information to learn more about us
• Your kids will not be allowed to use phones or email while they’re with us so don’t be alarmed if you don’t hear from them…it means they’re having fun!
• In case of emergency, all instructors carry radios and they can call a base lodge where there is a phone to call you. If something happens, you will be notified
• In case of an emergency at home, contact us, and we will find a way to reach your child
• See our Information for Parents packet to learn about student safety, supervision, and risk management. Further questions? Speak to the teacher organizing the trip before your student leaves home

When they return home

• Your child has just had a challenging and fun outdoor experience and will want to share stories with you. Find some time to sit down with them
• Your child will be tired! Try to plan a relaxing weekend to refresh after the long days
• Continue the experience!
• • Getting outdoors in your own backyard or neighborhood is a great way to spend time with family, get your exercise, reduce stress, and have fun! See our Information for Parents packet to learn about activites for home, and in the Boston area, North Shore and the Seacoast
• Think Summer! The AMC offers summer trips for teens in New Hampshire, Maine, and Massachusetts. Beyond the AMC, New England has a wealth of outdoor summer camps and trip options to suit every family
  
  

For Teachers

At A Mountain Classroom we understand the challenges that classroom teachers face every day. We are forever grateful for teachers who understand the value of teaching in the outdoors and put in the effort to provide this experience to their students. Thank you!

Whether you would like to incorporate more outdoor learning in your own classroom, invite us to teach at your school, or bring students to our facilities for a residential experience, we are here to assist you in whatever way we can. Please contact us with questions or suggestions on how we can help you bring more outdoor learning to your students.

Is Mountain Classroom Right For Your Class?
As a teacher, we know there are many excellent environmental education programs for you to choose from. Here are some features that we think make us unique:

• Hiking based programs in 7 beautiful backcountry locations1 including the Presidential Range, Tuckerman’s Ravine, and the Maine Woods
• Fully customized curriculum2 for every school
• Access to multiple ecosystems; forest, stream, lake, and rare alpine tundra
• Experienced instructors with backcountry medical certification

Program Planning Information

Already booked a program with us? Here is the information, the forms and other paperwork you’ll need to finish the planning process. Remember, we are here to help you along the way!

• Program Planning Checklist: Follow this list to ensure a smooth program delivery.
• Forms: Medical Form, Risk Release Form, Photo form. Please provide copies of all MEDICAL forms to your program coordinator at least 14 days prior to arrival.
• Pre-trip Questionnaire: Please fill out electronically and return to your program coordinator by email.
• Field Group Template: Your coordinator will work with you to determine the number of groups to create.
• Trip Organizer Guide: Required reading for the lead teacher.
• Chaperone Responsibilities: Required reading for all adult chaperones.

See Teacher Information and all the above forms here >>

Post Trip Information

Welcome home and thanks for participating. We home you had a great time!

• Evaluations: We are always striving to improve. Please take a moment to give us your suggestions. Find Evaluation Form here >>
• Sign our Guestbook! Share your Mountain Classroom stories and read what others have to say about our program.

Links

• Children and Nature Network
• NH Children in Nature Network
• Project WILD
• Project WET
• Project Learning Tree
• Ferry Beach Ecology School – ABC’s of Ecology
• NH Environmental Literacy Plan
• New Hampshire Environmental Educators
• Massachusetts Environmental Education Society
• Vermont Statewide Environmental Education Programs
• Maine Environmental Education Association