Field Studies
SFS is all about connecting students to real-world experiences in Urban, Rural, and Wilderness environments.
SFS is all about connecting students to real-world experiences in Urban, Rural, and Wilderness environments.
The semester is divided into six separate "field studies" that will take you everywhere from the backcountry in Arizona and Utah, to cattle ranches all across Colorado, to board rooms in downtown Denver.
The semester is divided into six separate "field studies" that will take you everywhere from the backcountry in Arizona and Utah, to cattle ranches all across Colorado, to board rooms in downtown Denver.
Orientation
Orientation
Introductory field activities include tours of:
Introductory field activities include tours of:
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
- National Renewable Energy Laboratories
- Denver Center for Performing Arts
- Denver Urban Renewal Authority
- Denver Museum of Nature and Science
- First Aid Course and certification
- The Growhaus (urban farm)
- The Great Western Stock Show
- The State Capitol
- Wilderness First Aid Certification
- Backcountry and Rock Climbing Instruction
- And much more!
Desert Wilderness Expedition
Desert Wilderness Expedition
Extended outdoor expeditions help students discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
Extended outdoor expeditions help students discover strengths they didn’t know they had.
Every phase of the expedition is focused on learning about wilderness education through direct experience and reflection.
Every phase of the expedition is focused on learning about wilderness education through direct experience and reflection.
Students will gain self-confidence and develop skills in decision making, problem solving, leadership and teamwork.
Students will gain self-confidence and develop skills in decision making, problem solving, leadership and teamwork.
- 13 days spent rock climbing & backpacking through the beautiful backcountry of the Sonoran Desert in Arizona
- SFS alumni guided patrols
- Outward Bound principals of wilderness education and personal growth
- Leave No Trace guidelines and trainingTrackless travel & basic wilderness skills including backcountry cooking & map reading
- All of the equipment (backpacks, sleeping bags, stoves, etc.) will be provided as well as travel to & from Arizona
Local Community Service
Local Community Service
This is defined as,meeting a need outside of yourself.
Guest speakers present community service opportunities during Orientation. These include but are not limited to:
Guest speakers present community service opportunities during Orientation. These include but are not limited to:
- Jeffco Action Center
- Senior citizen homes
- Schools for the physically and mentally handicapped
- Local hospices
- And a host of others...
Urban Team Exploration
Urban Team Exploration
The goal of this field study is to explore the urban environment & see what systems make cities work.
Teams of four students make appointments with individuals and organizations to learn how our cities operate while developing & honing in on the business skills needed for professional success in the future.
Teams of four students make appointments with individuals and organizations to learn how our cities operate while developing & honing in on the business skills needed for professional success in the future.
- Professional communication via telephone, email dialogs, and public speaking
- Appointment planning and time management
- Dependability and adaptability
- Logistical organization
- Problem solving with teamwork and leader-driven collaboration
Farm Family Live-in
Farm Family Live-in
SFS teams up with the Colorado Farm Bureau to place each student with a Colorado farm or ranch family for a one week live-in.
SFS teams up with the Colorado Farm Bureau to place each student with a Colorado farm or ranch family for a one week live-in.
Most of us are two or three generations removed from rural life, so living on a farm or ranch is a learning experience like no other. This event is highly rated by both students and participating host-families. Many students feel that this is one of the most valuable experiences in Senior Field Studies.
Most of us are two or three generations removed from rural life, so living on a farm or ranch is a learning experience like no other. This event is highly rated by both students and participating host-families. Many students feel that this is one of the most valuable experiences in Senior Field Studies.
- Seven day live-in stay on a family-owned and operated farm/ranch
- Over 200 participating farm and ranch families
- Hands-on agricultural training
- Livestock care and maintenance
- Food production and federal policy
- Celebration of the Western lifestyle and tradition
- Education about the political and economic issues that are important to the Agricultural community
Whitewater Expedition
Whitewater Expedition
A multi-day whitewater rafting adventure through an uninhabited, serene river canyon is an unforgettable end-of-semester experience! As in all other course activities the emphasis is on intellectual, emotional, and physical preparedness.
A multi-day whitewater rafting adventure through an uninhabited, serene river canyon is an unforgettable end-of-semester experience! As in all other course activities the emphasis is on intellectual, emotional, and physical preparedness.
SFS river trips run rapids on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument or the Green River in Desolation and Gray Canyons. Both of these trips offer a genuine wilderness experience with challenging rapids and gorgeous scenery.
SFS river trips run rapids on the Yampa River in Dinosaur National Monument or the Green River in Desolation and Gray Canyons. Both of these trips offer a genuine wilderness experience with challenging rapids and gorgeous scenery.
- Teams of seven students and a river guide run each of three paddle boats, which are followed by multiple support rafts
- Seven days rafting on the Yampa or Green Rivers
- Camping along the river's edge every night
- Paddle boats lead by professionally certified whitewater guides
- All of the equipment (boating gear, sleeping bags, meals, etc.) will be provided as well as travel to and from river locations