Why Outdoor Education

"In wilderness I sense the miracle of life." - Charles Lindbergh

There is no setting like the wilderness. High Mountain Institute Summer Programs harness the power of the wilderness to provide an unparalleled experience for our participants.

• Wilderness travel strips away the modern world's layers of complexity. Without television, the internet, or cell phones, we can focus on the tasks at hand, each other, and the beauty of the environment around us.

• The beauty of the wilderness is invigorating. For thousands of years, people have gone into the wilderness to find inspiration. The splendor of the American West is the perfect backdrop to find and achieve your potential.

• The wilderness challenges us and shows us what we are capable of-both as an individual and as a team player. You'll leave the wilderness with a new confidence developed through perseverance and deep relationships formed through working in small teams.

• The wilderness provides us with natural leadership opportunities. Whether while keeping spirits high on a challenging day, helping to resolve a conflict between two peers, or navigating on an off-trail day, the wilderness provides plentiful opportunities to teach and practice leadership.