Safely and effectively participate in a wide range of outdoor recreational activities.
About the program
A four-year track in outdoor education and conservation.
Preparing students grades 9-12 to safely, ethically, and effectively work in Arizona's diverse natural environments.
Mission
Why this program exists.
The Outdoor Ed and Conservation four-year program provides students grades 9-12 at Mingus Union High School with the knowledge, skills, and leadership experiences necessary to safely, ethically, and efficiently recreate and pursue careers in the outdoors.
The program delivers these opportunities through an approach that prioritizes natural resource literacy, outdoor recreational skill proficiency, and environmental leadership capacity.
Program overview
What students learn, and how they learn it.
Students learn to identify native flora and fauna, explore geological, hydrological, and astronomical systems from the field, and understand the cultural, historical, and geographic context of the land.
Through hands-on fieldwork and experiential learning, students gain practical skills in outdoor navigation, wilderness first aid, hiking, backpacking, climbing, canyoneering, and human-powered water sports. Additional training covers hunting, archery, and fishing best practices, as well as an applied approach to back-country nutrition.
Students are immersed in a foundation of outdoor conservation policies and philosophies including the United States land ownership system, the National Trails System, the North American Model of Wildlife Conservation, and Leave No Trace.
The program develops both technical and professional competencies by integrating Arizona's Professional Skills standards. Students practice experiential group facilitation and interpretive communication while learning about multiple facets of the outdoor industry, from tourism and park management to outdoor gear design. Students are encouraged to apply their skills in leadership roles, conservation projects, and outdoor recreation planning.
Outcomes
What graduates take with them.
Graduates of the program will be able to:
Apply ecological and cultural knowledge to gain an appreciation of our state and country's natural environments while fostering a mindset for conservation.
Evaluate and plan outdoor tourism and recreation opportunities with environmental and economic awareness.
Pursue careers or further education in outdoor leadership and facilitation, natural resource management, conservation science, recreation management, and environmental education.
Get in touch
Questions about the program?
For prospective students and families, community members, potential sponsors, and other schools looking to model a program of their own - reach out any time.