Discovery Groups and Curriculum

The Discovery Groups are the core of High Trails, and students’ time here revolves around participation in a number of different themed, subject based, and activity filled Discovery Groups.  At High Trails, children of all ages learn history, geology, ecology, botany, and other natural sciences through direct experience in the natural world.

The High Trails Methodology: Each Discovery Group strives to encourage students’ Sense of Wonder, the instinctive curiosity and desire for knowledge inside of each of us.  Exploration of the world around us provides a wonderful opportunity for nurturing this excitement, and the woods and meadows of High Trails serve as an introduction to the limitless information to be discovered outdoors.  As students investigate the outdoors through this lens, each Discovery Group directs their attention towards a specific subject of study.  These themes are centered on groups of people that have worked and survived in this area in the past, such as Prospectors and Cowboys, or more modern groups that continue to explore and shape our world today, like Mountaineers and Innovaters.  Each group is taught by High Trails Staff, with the assistance of visiting teachers and high school counselors.  Half-day groups last for 2 ½ hours, and provide an opportunity for in-depth learning, fun, and activity.  The all-day Discovery Group, available to schools staying for 4 or 5-day sessions, give students the chance to study one group for an extended period, and to participate in unique activities that reinforce knowledge gained during the half-day.

The High Trails curriculum is based on learning with imagination. The role-playing, action activities, games, and experiences are all designed to encourage students to learn the facts presented and to act on this knowledge. The teaching becomes involved in attitudes and understanding as well as an efficient learning of facts.  Students are encouraged to apply the lessons they learn to their own lives, and to bring an understanding of the culture and practices of the groups they study back from High Trails.

Destination-based Learning: The distinctive opportunity of the High Trails experience is the resource base that supports each Discovery Group.  In addition to fun, innovative curriculum, each group offers an interconnected outdoor destination, where students can explore first-hand and reinforce their knowledge.  For example, the Homesteaders group visits our 1890s homestead, and investigates the tools, equipment, living quarters, and lifestyle used by the pioneers who lived there.  Crystal beds, a solar and wind powered yurt, a working cattle ranch, and a replica Ute Indian encampment are also among the destinations that groups will visit.  The availability of these locations provides a unique supplement to each student’s experience.  Fun, active learning occurs at High Trails as students build comfort in the outdoors, establish close friendships, and make memories they will carry home with them.

Discovery Group Curriculum Units

Prospectors - Involves an understanding of the geological forces that shape our Earth and their impact on our lives. It is also an opportunity to learn to prospect for rewards such as the wonder and beauty of Earth.

Homesteaders - Shows that we can learn simplicity, conservation and independence from the attitudes and life-styles of our recent past. Use a Mormon handcart to recreate the pioneer journey West to the original 1880's Quick Homestead for a hands-on tour of history.

Innovators - Hike to a backcountry yurt to experience solar and wind powered activities.  This strong science-based discovery group focuses on the Earth-Sun relationship, math, and engineering concepts, while challenging students to develop leadership skills.

Woodsmen - Acquaints us with the plants, animals and insects of the forest community.  An emphasis is placed on proper use of renewable natural resources and the human need for wilderness.

Explorers - Uses the excitement of discovery to pursue zoological and botanical explorations and a long-term understanding of land use. It also deals with map-making and orienteering by solving a mystery at the compass course.

Trappers - Tells the story of early explorers of the West and their relationships to nature and the people they found. Build shelters, bridges and fire to survive like the beaver pelt hunters of the 1800's.

Crafters - Seeks to encourage creativity and use of the senses through self-expression in a variety of mediums.  See shape, texture and color in nature!

Entertainers - emphasizes communication skills and self-expression. The natural world is used to inspire language, arts, and drama.

Mountaineers - You are lost in the wilderness. It's getting dark. But you're not afraid. Why? Because you have the Ten Essentials in your backpack and you are going to pull out your topo map and compass to find your way home.  These are just some of the great skills you'll learn in this informative discovery group.

Cowboys - Recognizes the importance of agriculture and how humans interact with the land. The 100 year old Witcher Ranch offers roping, branding, cattle, horses, ranchers, and an authentic study of a working cattle ranch.

Time Machine/Fossils - Understand the big picture of Earth history by taking a trip through time to learn about the events that have shaped our planet from its beginning. Split layers of shale to discover 35 million year old fossils.

Indians - Allows students the opportunity to try skills used by the Utes to subsist in our Montane Life Zone. Archery, cordage-making, games and other activities teach the Ute attitudes of respect and joy needed to live in harmony with the natural world.

Teambuilding - Explores the many facets of teamwork and how to develop it. Through the use of games and other challenge activities find out what it takes to build a team and keep it going. Discover personal leadership skills and work together to accomplish a goal.

Naturalists - Focus on reading and writing by studying and taking cues from classic nature writers like John Muir.  Make a journal and be inspired by the natural world.

Click here for the most up-to-date downloadable curricular units