upper school

PEAK Student Leadership (PSL)

The PEAK Student Leadership program specifically . . .

PROVIDES experiences that serve to develop and enhance leadership qualities among Upper School students at Heathwood Hall

ENHANCES programs offered by the PEAK Outdoor Center by cultivating a competent team of student leaders

As a PSL member students are expected to voluntarily become involved with PEAK programs throughout the year. The PEAK Outdoor Center sponsors a variety of different programs for individuals of all ages, including adults. Program activities include climbing, paddling, biking, backpacking, camping, leadership development and team building, and community service. As a PSL member, students choose to become involved in programs that are of most interest to them.

In order to become a PSL member, students must participate in a Basic Training program held early in the school year.

PSL members gain PEAK hours by helping facilitate programs offered through PEAK. Upon completion of Basic Training, members are allowed to help facilitate basic level adventure programs. PSL members who wish to gain additional levels of training may participate in Guide Training Programs in the areas of whitewater kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, backcountry exploration, archery, and fishing.

PSL members must complete 10 hours of service to PEAK programs each semester to remain a member in good standing. Members who fail to earn 20 hours by the end of the year are not eligible for participation the following year.

Click here for a full set of PSL Objectives

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PEAK Curriculum Connections

OUTDOOR EDUCATION CLASS
A class entitled Wilderness Explorations is offered as a semester- and year-long elective and may fulfill credits for physical education. Upper School students encounter an exciting and hands-on curriculum that includes experiential learning opportunities relative to wilderness adventure activities including canoeing and kayaking, climbing, orienteering, mountain biking, hiking and backpacking, cooking and camping. Students study significant aspects of geology, geography, meteorology, and ecology, and are exposed to the written works and ideas of some of North America’s foremost conservationists, naturalists, nature writers, and environmentalists. First aid and CPR are also part of the class curriculum as students complete an American Heart Association First Aid and CPR class receiving certification in these areas.

WINTERIM
Winterim at Heathwood Hall is a unique program that offers opportunity for students to experience learning beyond the classroom. The PEAK Outdoor Center sponsors a variety of Winterim experiences each year. Programs in the past have included expeditionary trips to the Everglades, Yellowstone, Canaan Valley in West Virginia, the Grand Canyon, Zion Canyon, Grand Staircase-Escalante, Montana, Costa Rica, and the Appalachian, Chattooga, and Foothills Trails. Experiences last year included an adventure trip to Ecuador, a backpacking trip on the Chattooga River Trail, and an adventure and team building program on the Alpine Tower. Look for more exciting opportunities this year!

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