Outdoor Adventure has expanded to the Junior School for the 2026–2027 school year, building on a program first introduced at Country Day School in 2023. While each campus offers its own setting and approach, both programs give students intentional child-centered time outdoors to build confidence, independence, curiosity, and a connection with nature.

At Country Day, Outdoor Adventure teacher Karen DiFiore—better known to students as “Ranger D”—has watched the program grow into a distinctive part of the pre-kindergarten through fifth grade experience. 

“My favorite part of the program is not only seeing them explore and lose themselves in nature, but I get to hear their enthusiasm as well,” DiFiore said. Whether students discover a toad, create an imaginary dish from natural materials, or finally climb onto a tree limb they could not reach before, she said those moments allow children to learn by “doing, wondering, and experimenting.”

That philosophy is now guiding the Junior School pilot, led by Physical Education teacher Tricia Simon P’32,’36 in collaboration with faculty across several disciplines. Teachers from both Lower Schools worked together over the summer to develop the program and explore Frick Park, identifying areas where Junior School students could learn and play.

Central to both programs is “challenge by choice,’ which encourages students to stretch themselves while recognizing that challenge looks different for every child. One student may climb or balance, while another investigates an insect, created with mud, or observes the environment.

“I’m looking forward to watching confidence and independence grow as our students take risks and succeed,” Simon said. She’s already seeing the impact. During one early outing, a kindergartener walking down the path from Cowboy Hill remarked, “Wow, this is a big mountain, but I know I can do it!”

“There is something magical about watching a child realize, in the moment, they can do something that they previously thought they couldn’t,” Simon added.