Backcountry Adventures
Backcountry Adventures are highly customized based on our educational partners’ learning goals and desired trip duration.
For example, our Hetch Hetchy Trip is an 8-day/7-night hybrid backpacking/camping trip during which students (Grades 9-12) study the ecological and political history of water in California, while also developing leadership and teambuilding skills in the backcountry.
A reservoir established by flooding Hetch Hetchy Valley in 1923 is the primary water source for the city of San Francisco.
Students spend 5 nights in the backcountry exploring the Hetch Hetchy area of Yosemite National Park, a valley that once rivaled Yosemite Valley in its beauty, but was dammed and flooded in 1923 to provide a reliable source of water to San Francisco. Students consider the ecological, political, and economic impact of the dam, as well the future of water in California with an eye towards climate change and environmental justice.
Participants then spend two nights in Yosemite Valley, the crown jewel of the National Park System, while they prepare for the trip’s culminating event: a debate over whether or not Hetch Hetchy should be restored by destroying the O’Shaughnessy Dam and draining the reservoir.
In addition to developing backpacking skills and completing daily reading and reflection activities, students work together to complete daily tasks (e.g., cooking, cleaning, water filtration) and participate in leadership and teambuilding programming. Like all Backcountry Adventures, the Hetch Hetchy Trip combines an unparalleled outdoor experience with a unique, academically rigorous curriculum.
What do you want to explore?
Climate change?
Fire ecology?
Nature writing?
Geological history?
Research methods?
Sierra STEM works directly with educational partners to build custom Backcountry Adventures to fit your needs.