Wilderness Program
Imagine hiking through the rugged peaks of New England’s White Mountains or cutting through the waves of the Atlantic on a sea kayak during your mod break. Under the guidance of professionally trained leaders, students can experience the thrill and challenge of such adventures through our longstanding Wilderness Program.
Students travel north to the White Mountains for backpacking trips in the fall; a cross country skiing, snow shoeing or ice climbing trip in the winter; or to Maine, for canoeing or sea kayaking trips in the spring.
The program provides opportunities for healthy physical and mental challenges for students of all skills levels, while teaching outdoors and survival skills. Through these trips, students gain a deeper sense of community through collaboration and respect for each other—their success depends on it!
“We try to get as many students as we can out in the woods for shared group experiences, where they can learn both how to lead and how to be a supportive member of a group. I think there’s great value in having students experience a place that they wouldn’t normally experience — wherever that place may be – and the Mod System allows for trips like this one in a way that other school’s can’t. — Kevin Smith, Science Department Chair and Wilderness Program Director
Sign Up for the Spring Wilderness Trip Today!
The Spring Wilderness Trip will be a three day, two night sea kayaking trip off the coast of midcoast Maine. The group will paddle between islands, setting up and breaking down camp on a new island each day. The trip will begin in the evening on Friday, April 26 (packing night at CSW), and will return to CSW in the afternoon on Monday, April 29.
Photo from Fall 2022 Wilderness Trip
Wilderness Program Nuts & Bolts
- Mod break trips earn participants 1/2 an athletic credit.
- There is a cost associated with mod break trips. The cost varies depending on the trip. An estimated cost will be announced when trip registration begins. Financial aid is available for students receiving aid through the school.
- Day trips are free for all participants
- Completion of 2 day trips in a single school year earns the student 1/2 athletic credit.
- CSW should be able to provide all equipment and clothing necessary for participation in any of our trips (possible exception being bikes).
- CSW is dedicated to the health and safety of trip participants and leaders. Pre-trip communications will include information about health and safety precautions and backup plans in place to protect trip participants.
— Camila P. '23
Upcoming Wilderness Trips
Additional trips or trip changes will be announced as they arise.
The Cambridge School of Weston is a progressive high school for day and boarding students in grades 9–12 and PG. CSW's mission is to provide a progressive education that emphasizes deep learning, meaningful relationships, and a dynamic program that inspires students to discover who they are and what their contribution is to their school, their community and the world.