Hiking, Backpacking and Snowshoeing  

Hiking is an integral component of our programs and many of our core curriculum activities are covered while on the trail.  Hiking presents students with group challenges in beautiful natural settings and provides opportunities for increased group and self awareness.  Hikes vary in length depending on students' age and program goals, but in all cases, students have the opportunity to explore a variety of beautiful terrain, from waterfalls to mountain overlooks.  Students will learn how to prepare for a hike, backpack or snowshoe and learn about safety precautions while on the trail.  In the winter, hikes generally take place on snowshoes.  Students learn about the challenges of winter travel and how to stay warm on the trail while experiencing the quiet beauty of the snow-covered forest. Students who backpack will generally be staying at one of AMC's eight backcountry huts. These facilities vary greatly in how far each is from a road and the terrain of their main access trail.  Coordinators work will work closely with you to find the right match for your group.  AMC has gear available to borrow for our outdoor experiences.

Map and Compass

Objectives

• Students identify the components of maps
• Students recognize different types of maps and their uses
• Students learn to interpret topographic maps and use them while hiking
• Students learn to use compasses to read and follow bearings
• Students practice using compasses for off-trail navigation
• Students learn how to combine map and compass skills for backcountry hiking 

Key Concepts

• Map features and terminology
• Contour lines
• Compass use
• Reading and following bearings
• Declination

Activities may include

• Reading maps
• Creating maps
• Exercises and games to practice reading and following bearings
• Following an orienteering course in the woods
• Creating an orienteering course
• Identifying unknown features using a map and compass 

Teambuilding and Leadership  

All of our programs include activities that are designed to help each student improve awareness of him or herself as a group member.  Throughout the program, students will be presented with various fun-filled games and challenges that test their communication and problem solving skills and require group members to work as a team.  Hikes are also presented as group challenges and present opportunities for students to practice and learn about effective group leadership.  Schools occasionally choose to make teambuilding and leadership the primary focus for their trip, and we can design a challenging program accordingly!    

Leave No Trace - Wilderness Ethics  

As an educational partner of the national Leave No Trace organization, the AMC encourages all visitors to consider the Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the backcountry.  Students will learn the seven principles of the Leave No Trace philosophy during their Mountain Classroom experience.  Groups wishing for more focus on wilderness ethics will also be exposed to various schools of thought about wilderness ethics.  Students will be encouraged to consider their own view of "Wilderness," and be asked to think about their own set of personal ethics in relation to the wilderness.