Outdoor Education

kayaking trip students and teachers in kayaks in the water

Educating the Whole Student through Outdoor Ed

Catlin Gabel's Outdoor Education Program provides the tools for Middle and Upper School students to learn more about themselves while exploring the public lands of the Pacific Northwest.

Trips are intentionally designed to augment what is learned in the classroom, helping students gain confidence in their personal leadership skills and in making decisions as part of a larger group. The program provides opportunities for a variety of interests and experience levels, both during the school year and during the summer.

Students can go on a local hike or visit a climbing gym after school or on the weekend, or join a multi-day trip that takes in Northwest rivers, forests, mountains, and oceans. We offer bike rides and urban exploratory walks, adventures in rock climbing, whitewater rafting, surfing, sea kayaking, backpacking, mountaineering, and more.

Classic trips include a Smith Rock climbing weekend in Central Oregon, a three-day bike trip from Mt. Hood to the Santiam River, rafting trips on the Deschutes or the White Salmon River, snowshoe and cross country ski day trips on Mt. Hood, and the Students of Color Affinity Trip at Camp Westwind on the Oregon Coast. Trips and activities are held in the fall, winter, spring, and summer. 

 

Financial assistance is available for most trips and programs.

For information and questions, please contact Outdoor Education Program Director Lindsay Babbitt.

Learn More About Catlin Gabel's Outdoor Program

Past Outdoor Education Trip Highlights