Adventure Meets Education: NCOAE’s High School Summer Semester for 10th and 11th Graders

When high school students return to classes after summer break, they’re often asked to write an essay on “What I Did on My Summer Vacation.” For many, there’s not much to  write about. Maybe a week spent with the grandparents or binge watching your favorite show on Netflix.

Instead, imagine spending a 32-day summer semester engaged in wilderness adventure, exploration, and learning in North Carolina, Oregon, or Ecuador.

Our summer high school semester, designed for rising 10th and 11th graders, offer students the opportunity to engage in hands-on, experiential learning and outdoor adventures, all under the guidance of our world-class, certified field instructors and guides. 

Throughout these monthlong NCOAE High School Semesters, which take place in June and July, or July and August, students participate in Honors-level Natural Science field research and study — all while earning high school credit. 

Students also earn certifications in Wilderness First Aid, Leave No Trace (LNT), and Outdoor Leadership. These 32-day high school semesters blend academic rigor with outdoor adventures, leadership lessons and experiences, and exposure to activities that positively impact personal growth and development.

A High School Experience You Won’t Forget

Whether you choose to explore North Carolina from the Mountains to the Sea or the beauty of Oregon’s Cascades, or experience cultural immersion in Ecuador’s Andes Mountains, your High School Summer Semester at NCOAE will offer a learning experience like no other — a meaningful, memorable adventure that really gives you something to write about.

Each summer high school semester begins with a week of on-campus learning in preparation for the field experience. Students participate in a range of activities that offer a mix of academics, adventure, and team building. For example:

• They’ll start each day with a morning activity, like a sunrise yoga session or beach walk. 
• Then, after a hearty breakfast, students participate in interactive science classes on ecology or ocean dynamics. 
• After lunch, they spend the afternoon applying these lessons in real-world settings, while hiking, sailing, surfing, sea kayaking, or rock climbing. 
• Each day wraps up with dinner and an evening activity, such as engaging in reflection activities around a campfire or in small groups.

After a week at basecamp, students head out into the field:

• During the field portion, students participate in two field study segments exploring mountain environments and wild and scenic rivers. 
• They hike to beautiful waterfalls, discover hidden swimming holes, and enjoy mountain vistas, all while participating in hands-on scientific research and practicing leadership skills. 
• During river portions, students develop paddling skills and put them into practice on a rafting or kayaking adventure.
• Throughout the field segments, they participate in scientific exploration and labs, leadership, and team-building activities and develop practical outdoor skills, including the basics of campcraft and backcountry navigation. 
• The semester winds down with one final week at basecamp, where students close out their learning and gear up for their return home.

Earn High School Credits During the Summer

NCOAE’s High School Semester for teens offers a unique blend of rigorous academic study and outdoor adventure programming, which prepares students for their field experiences and research, allowing them to connect deeply with their studies and their peers in primitive natural settings they will never forget. 

Best of all: Students earn high school credits in Honors National Science, Advanced Topics in Anthropogenic Effects, and Outdoor Leadership, each transferable to their high school. This is made possible because NCOAE is accredited by Cognia, a globally recognized quality assurance process for schools that signifies they meet rigorous standards for student success and continuous improvement. This makes diplomas more valuable for college or job applications.

Explore our Summer Semester courses today to learn more, or give us a call at (910) 399-8090 to discuss your options and answer any questions you may have.

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About the Author: Elizabeth Shirley, WFR, is the Director of Outdoor Education at The National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education (NCOAE).