O2 Outdoor Education
The leadership goals of O2 inspire students to have positive interactions with others, practice good stewardship of God’s creation, and grow into leaders with grit who will make wise choices while engaging in new adventures, knowledge, and God’s Word. Our O2 program puts action to the overall mission of Vail Christian Academy by:
LOVING CHRIST
A specific spiritual implication is shared during each adventure.
EQUIPPING KIDS FOR LIFE
Students get hands on experience with life lessons through the various activities.
BEING A LIGHT
Students have the opportunity to serve others and love like Jesus.
“I have been on hundreds of adventures with different students throughout the years and I can’t remember a time when someone in the community hasn’t complimented me on our students. It is like clock work. In fact, when I was on a service trip in Arkansas I had a principal from a different school come up to me and ask, ‘How can I get my students to love each other the way your students love and interact with each other?’ My response was, ‘It’s Jesus and we hold them to a high standard.’ I challenge the kids before every adventure or trip to see if someone will come and compliment them. It’s my expectation and the students know it.”
O2 adventures provide off campus, experiential learning while strengthening social bonds with those participating in the activity. Each experience grows in frequency and duration as students progress through their middle school years. 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students have the privilege of participating in VCA’s O2 program.
Academic Accountability: Students must maintain a 70% or higher grade across all classes in order to participate in all O2 activities. The activities and experiences vary by grade. Click below to see each grade’s events:
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Students in 6th grade have book end trips with service opportunities throughout the year. They start the year with a day focused around team-building activities and end the year with a memorable hut trip.
The primary focus of O2 in 6th grade is serving our community by partnering with local organizations. This allows us to give back to our community and be a light in the Valley.
Eagle River Watershed Council
The Community Market
Roundup River Ranch
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The intensity of O2 adventures increases in 7th grade as they start the year with team-building activities and an overnight camping trip to Piney Lake.
Each adventure allows students to be a light in our valley as we interact with others in our community. Some of the adventures include and are subject to change depending on our resources:
Fly Fishing
Mountain Biking
CPR/First Aid Training
Ski days
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We save the best adventures for their final year at Vail Christian Academy! Students start their 8th grade year with a multi-night camping trip focusing on leadership in Moab, Utah! On this trip they go whitewater rafting, hike Arches National Park, and go on a Safari Hummer Tour. Some of the adventures include and are subject to change depending on our resources:
Rock Climbing
Orienteering and Shelter Building
Ski Waxing
Avalanche Safety
Junior Lifeguarding
Ski Days
The Upper Academy Team schedules 4-6 half day ski days throughout the winter months. Ski groups are determined by skill level and social dynamics. This gives students the opportunity to interact with others in different grades.
Students also participate in the “Learn to Ski” program offered through Vail Resorts. This is a school wide learning opportunity where students have two day ski/snowboard lessons provided by Vail Resorts employees.
