As Mountain Classroom students concluded their backpacking expedition through the Los Padres Wilderness, Henry '25 reflected on the group's three-day journey through California's Big Sur region.

Mountain Classroom students transition from Joshua Tree's desert to California's foggy coast, experiencing dramatic environmental contrasts while exploring marine ecology at Monterey Bay. Claire '26 recounts their adaptation to coastal conditions -- from frigid ocean swims to weatherproofing tents against persistent rain -- as they prepare for backpacking through the region's diverse ecosystems.

Proctor's Mountain Classroom program has kicked off its spring term in Joshua Tree, where Anna '26 describes the group quickly adapting to expedition life while building community. Students have embraced rock climbing challenges that develop communication and trust, offering just a glimpse of their upcoming journey.

During each Mountain Classroom term, students with varied outdoor experience undergo a remarkable transformation through the deliberate progression of increasing responsibility and outdoor skills development.

Jane '25 beautifully captures the Winter Mountain Classroom experience through the lens of rock climbing – where end-of-term research projects at Lake Mead represented the moment when "the top of the climbing route was in sight," and each phase of their term formed part of an extended ascent from initial safety checks to the final push toward the summit.

While the comforts of home await, Hannah captures the sentiment shared by many in the group: "Home will be very nice, but I know after the fact, when it's all said and done, I'll be longing to arrive once more in Dallas, Texas, and repeat January and February 2025 with these people, seeing these places, together."

As Mountain Classroom students continue their journey through the Western United States, their relationship with fundamental resources, including water, takes on new meaning. In this post, Tess '25 explores our complex relationship with water through the lens of Mountain Classroom.

Immersed in new landscapes and cultures, free from digital distractions, students find space to hear their own thoughts, connect deeply with their peers, and contemplate life's fundamental questions about purpose and meaning. Read on for Ava '26's powerful reflections on her Mountain Classroom journey and the program's enduring lessons.

At the heart of Mountain Classroom lies a delicate balance -- building a strong internal group community from the ground up by establishing systems, norms, and a culture of support while remaining open to the wisdom and hospitality they encounter on their journey.