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ASCENT Outdoor Education

Students and teachers make a %22nose-in%22 circle formation with their canoes

Learning Beyond the Classroom

At TCIS, education is more than academics. Our Outdoor Education Program, called ASCENT, helps students grow through adventure, stewardship, community, and experiential learning. By stepping outside the classroom, students develop practical skills, confidence, and character that further prepare them for life.

 

The ASCENT Framework

The program is built on six core pillars:

  1. Adventure – Outdoor challenges that build courage, teamwork, and resilience.
  2. Stewardship – Caring for nature and learning responsibility through service.
  3. Community – Growing stronger together through shared experiences.
  4. Experiential Learning – Hands-on opportunities that connect knowledge to real life.
  5. Nature-based: Nature becomes a powerful teacher as students explore real environments, gaining skills in risk, reflection, and stewardship.
  6. Training – Building technical skills, safety awareness, and leadership abilities.

 

 

A Three-Year Journey (Grades 6–8)

Grade 6
Building the Team

Students step into new challenges, learning teamwork, communication, and the joy of outdoor discovery.

 

Grade 7
Growing Independence

With more responsibility, students develop self-reliance, problem-solving skills, and confidence in decision-making.

 

Grade 8
Leading the Way

Students take on leadership roles, guiding peers and facing greater challenges with maturity and resilience.

 

Beyond the Horizon: Expeditions

Our middle school journey culminates in Nepal expeditions across three years:

  • High-Altitude Trekking – Developing stamina and perseverance in the mountains.
  • Cultural Service & Adventure – Engaging with local communities and meaningful service.
  • Technical Climbing & Wildlife Exploration – Advanced outdoor skills and encounters with nature.

 

Why Outdoor Education Matters

Through ASCENT, students develop:

  • Technical Skills – Navigation, camping, climbing, and water safety.
  • Leadership – Responsibility, problem-solving, and collaboration.
  • Environmental Understanding – Deep respect for creation and stewardship of resources.
  • Personal Growth – Resilience, self-confidence, and lifelong curiosity.

 

Connected to Academics and Values

Outdoor Education at TCIS is tied directly to our mission to Learn • Love • Lead. Experiences outside the classroom connect with IB units, support service learning, and reflect our commitment to nurturing future-ready leaders who embrace challenge with compassion and courage.

 

The ASCENT Goal

That every TCIS student leaves middle school with unforgettable experiences and a strong foundation for leadership, resilience, and global citizenship. ASCENT is more than a program—it’s a journey of growth, discovery, and transformation.