Students in Outdoor Education will be taking learning to new heights starting on Thursday as they spend three class periods learning to rock climb at the Canyons Rock Climbing Gym.

“So we kind of started this partnership of being able to bring kids, and we were initially allowed to bring them for free, and we’d go during the period and be able to climb,” teacher Justin Koon said. “We tried to go like four or five times, and it kind of progressed bigger and bigger, and now the majority of the district goes and plans to go climb in the gym, which is really neat.“

Freshman Ushma Sookun believes this will be one of her favorite activities she does in the class.

“I really like how in his class we do all these cool activities. Like recently we went to the Natatorium to do some kayaking and swimming, and I really enjoyed that,” Sookun said. “I feel like this may be more fun though because I’m not going to get wet and I like rock climbing. And yeah, I think this will be a really cool and fun experience.“

From building a boat made out of cardboard to archery, Outdoor Education allows students to learn things that aren’t typically taught in most classrooms. 

“I’m looking forward to learning a new skill in life rec and to test my strength,” freshman Angela Wang said. “I’m also excited to have fun with my friends and just learn a new ability that I didn’t have the opportunity to do before.“

That’s not the case for Koons, but nearly a decade after first trying rock climbing, this is one of his favorite units in Outdoor Education.

“About 10 years ago, I started getting into climbing, and I really like it. I think it’s a lot of fun to climb up walls, and, you know, just kind of do things that I did as a kid, and I think a lot of the kids like doing it too,” Koons said. “And it’s challenging, and there’s different things we do to kind of make it fun, so, yeah, I love it.”