Our Approach
The beauty of outdoor living
Riverstone International School offers a world-class outdoor education program that spans Preschool through Grade 12, providing students with hands-on experiences that extend learning beyond the classroom. From rafting and rock climbing to backpacking and winter yurt camping, our program combines adventure, environmental stewardship, and academic exploration. Each experience is carefully designed to challenge students physically and mentally while fostering a deep connection to nature, a sense of community, and a lifelong love of outdoor exploration.
Helping Students Develop Character
Our outdoor education program is a powerful tool for developing character, resilience, and leadership. Students learn to face challenges, work collaboratively, and persevere in unfamiliar environments, building confidence and problem-solving skills that carry into everyday life. Whether navigating a river, scaling a rock wall, or completing a multi-day backpacking trip, students are encouraged to reflect on their experiences, take initiative, and support one another, developing the values, self-awareness, and empathy that define Riverstone graduates.
Seasonal Activities
Spring outdoor education focuses on application, growth, and celebration. As the year comes to a close, students apply the skills and knowledge they have built throughout the year during longer overnight trips, rafting expeditions, backpacking adventures, and curriculum-connected outdoor experiences.
For younger students, spring trips reinforce confidence and independence while celebrating community. For older students, these experiences represent meaningful milestones—demonstrating leadership, endurance, and self-reliance. Spring trips often serve as culminating experiences, offering time for reflection, goal setting, and appreciation of personal growth. These adventures reinforce Riverstone’s belief that some of the most powerful learning happens through experience, challenge, and connection to the natural world.
Fall outdoor education at Riverstone is intentionally designed to build community, confidence, and connection at the start of the school year. Across all grade levels, students begin with shared outdoor experiences—such as rafting, biking, camping, or backpacking—that help establish relationships, routines, and a strong sense of belonging. These trips allow students to reconnect with peers, form new friendships, and engage with teachers in a learning environment beyond the classroom.
As students progress through the grades, fall trips become increasingly immersive and challenging. Younger students focus on foundational outdoor skills and comfort away from home, while middle and high school students take on multi-day wilderness expeditions that emphasize leadership, teamwork, and environmental stewardship. Fall trips set the tone for the year by encouraging reflection, responsibility, and readiness for academic learning.
Winter at Riverstone offers students the opportunity to learn how to safely and confidently engage with cold-weather environments. Through activities such as Nordic skiing, snowshoeing, SnowSchool, ski and snowboard lessons, and winter yurt camping, students develop practical skills for winter travel while gaining an appreciation for Idaho’s mountain landscapes.
These experiences emphasize preparation, layering, nutrition, and safety while fostering resilience and adaptability. Students learn to persevere through physical challenges, support one another, and find joy in outdoor exploration—even in cold and snowy conditions. Winter outdoor education also strengthens problem-solving and teamwork, helping students build confidence that carries into both academic and personal pursuits.
Activities by Grade
Outdoor education in the Early Years is centered on joyful exploration, community building, and confidence. Students are gently introduced to outdoor adventures through developmentally appropriate activities that foster independence, resilience, and a love of being outside.
- Rafting
- Beginning the school year with a rafting experience is a meaningful way to build community and celebrate the start of a new year. Students strengthen connections with classmates and teachers through shared adventure, while parents are invited to participate, helping foster a supportive and connected classroom community from day one.
- Learn to Ride
- The Riverstone Learn to Ride Program guides students from balance bikes to confident pedaling, building the skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment on two wheels. With support from experienced instructors, students develop confidence, resilience, and coordination while riding a variety of bike courses alongside their classmates.
- The Riverstone Learn to Ride Program guides students from balance bikes to confident pedaling, building the skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment on two wheels. With support from experienced instructors, students develop confidence, resilience, and coordination while riding a variety of bike courses alongside their classmates.
- Rafting
- Beginning the school year with a rafting experience is a meaningful way to build community and celebrate the start of a new year. Students strengthen connections with classmates and teachers through shared adventure, while parents are invited to participate, helping foster a supportive and connected classroom community from day one.
- Beginning the school year with a rafting experience is a meaningful way to build community and celebrate the start of a new year. Students strengthen connections with classmates and teachers through shared adventure, while parents are invited to participate, helping foster a supportive and connected classroom community from day one.
- Learn to Ride
- The Riverstone Learn to Ride Program guides students from balance bikes to confident pedaling, building the skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment on two wheels. With support from experienced instructors, students develop confidence, resilience, and coordination while riding a variety of bike courses alongside their classmates.
- Rock Climbing
- Rock climbing is a powerful learning experience that helps students build confidence, overcome fear, and embrace challenge. Through both physical and mental problem-solving, students develop resilience and self-belief—skills that extend far beyond the climbing wall and into everyday life.
- Rafting
- Beginning the school year with a rafting experience is a meaningful way to build community and celebrate the start of a new year. Students strengthen connections with classmates and teachers through shared adventure, while parents are invited to participate, helping foster a supportive and connected classroom community from day one.
- Beginning the school year with a rafting experience is a meaningful way to build community and celebrate the start of a new year. Students strengthen connections with classmates and teachers through shared adventure, while parents are invited to participate, helping foster a supportive and connected classroom community from day one.
- Learn to Ride
- The Riverstone Learn to Ride Program guides students from balance bikes to confident pedaling, building the skills needed for a lifetime of enjoyment on two wheels. With support from experienced instructors, students develop confidence, resilience, and coordination while riding a variety of bike courses alongside their classmates.
- Rock Climbing
- Rock climbing is a powerful learning experience that helps students build confidence, overcome fear, and embrace challenge. Through both physical and mental problem-solving, students develop resilience and self-belief—skills that extend far beyond the climbing wall and into everyday life.
- Overnight School Adventure
- The overnight adventure introduces students to spending time away from home in a supportive and encouraging environment. Through this experience, students build confidence, develop early leadership skills, and gain an appreciation for overnight outdoor education as they prepare for future Riverstone trips.
- Overnight Camping Trip
- The Kindergarten overnight camping trip is designed to build confidence and comfort in the outdoors through a fun and supportive experience. Sleeping in tents, exploring nature, and sharing time together allows students to celebrate the end of the year, strengthen community, and continue developing foundational outdoor skills.
- Rafting
- Starting the school year with rafting is an exciting way to celebrate and build classroom community. Students strengthen connections with their peers and teachers through shared adventure, and parents are invited to join, helping create a supportive and connected environment from the very beginning.
- Overnight School Adventure
- The overnight school adventure introduces students to spending time away from home in a safe, supportive setting. This experience helps students build confidence, develop early leadership skills, and gain an appreciation for overnight outdoor education as they prepare for future trips.
- Rock Climbing
- Rock climbing offers students a chance to build confidence, overcome fear, and embrace challenge. Through physical and mental problem-solving, students develop resilience and self-belief—skills that extend far beyond the climbing wall and into everyday life.
- City of Rocks Overnight
- The City of Rocks overnight trip provides Grade 1 students with a hands-on outdoor education experience, combining hiking, rock climbing, and environmental stewardship. Students participate in a ranger-led program, climb world-famous rock formations, and spend the night in an old schoolhouse, applying the skills and confidence they have developed in earlier outdoor adventures.
- Rafting
- Kicking off the school year with rafting is a fun and engaging way to celebrate the start of classes while building classroom community. Students strengthen relationships with their peers and teachers through shared adventure, and parents are invited to join, helping create a supportive and connected environment from the very beginning.
- Nordic skiing lessons
- Nordic skiing introduces students to balance, endurance, and outdoor exercise while exploring Idaho’s winter landscapes. Through lessons at Bogus Basin Nordic Center, students learn proper winter clothing, technique, and safety, all while enjoying time together, building community, and discovering the rich history and culture of Nordic skiing.
- Overnight camping trip to Bruneau Sand Dunes
- The Bruneau Sand Dunes overnight trip connects classroom learning with hands-on outdoor experience. As part of their astronomy unit, students attend Telescope Talks and planetarium sessions at the College of Southern Idaho before camping beneath the tallest single-structure sand dune in North America. Students build camping skills, practice environmental stewardship, and enjoy fun activities like sledding down the dunes, all while deepening their appreciation for the natural world.
- Rafting
- Starting the year with rafting allows students to celebrate the new school year while building community and strengthening connections with classmates and teachers through shared outdoor adventure.
- Nordic skiing lessons
- Nordic skiing at Bogus Basin gives students the opportunity to develop balance, stamina, and coordination while enjoying winter landscapes. Lessons focus on proper technique, winter safety, and building camaraderie with peers.
- YMCA camp trip at Horsethief Reservoir
- The Grade 3 camping adventure at YMCA Horsethief Camp near Cascade, Idaho, connects students to hands-on learning about the water cycle and environmental science. Students enjoy cabin accommodations, fun activities, and end the trip with rock climbing, applying both academic concepts and outdoor skills.
- Rafting
- Rafting continues to kick off the year with excitement, helping students build classroom community, forge friendships, and develop teamwork skills in a fun, adventurous setting.
- McCall Outdoor Science School (MOSS)
- Students explore local ecosystems, conducting hands-on scientific investigations that reinforce classroom learning and deepen their understanding of environmental concepts.
- Snow school at Bogus Basin
- SnowSchool immerses students in winter science, combining outdoor learning with experiential lessons about snow, weather, and environmental stewardship in a mountain setting.
- Snowshoeing
- Snowshoeing teaches students winter navigation, safety, and endurance while exploring Idaho’s trails. Students learn about avalanche safety, layering, and winter travel skills in a controlled, supportive environment.
- Overnight camping on the Oregon Trail
- This trip gives students a chance to experience life as early pioneers. Students hike, pack, and camp in a way that reflects westward expansion, building resilience, teamwork, and a deeper appreciation for history.
- Rafting
- Rafting launches the year with fun and community-building, helping students strengthen relationships and prepare for more challenging outdoor experiences later in the year.
- Overnight Camping Trip
- Overnight camping trips reinforce foundational outdoor skills while promoting teamwork, independence, and appreciation for the natural world.
- Snowshoeing
- Snowshoeing provides students with hands-on winter travel experience, teaching safety, navigation, and endurance while exploring Idaho’s mountains.
- Grade 5 celebration camping in Moab
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- This culminating trip celebrates the completion of elementary school. Students explore Arches and Canyonlands National Parks, raft the Colorado River, and complete challenging hikes, applying all the outdoor skills they have developed throughout their Riverstone journey.
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Middle School outdoor education emphasizes leadership, challenge, and skill development through multi-day trips. Students engage in biking, rafting, backpacking, and winter camping while deepening their understanding of history, teamwork, and environmental responsibility.
- Yellowstone camping
- Grade 6 students explore Yellowstone National Park while camping and developing environmental stewardship, leadership, and outdoor skills. Hikes and hands-on learning allow students to connect with nature and reflect on their experiences.
- Ski and snowboard lessons
- At Bogus Basin, students build foundational skills in skiing and snowboarding, focusing on safety, fun, and community while enjoying winter sports.
- East Idaho tour and camping
- Students explore Idaho’s rich civil rights history, including Minidoka and Indigenous reservations, combining historical learning with camping, hiking, and teamwork.
- Rock climbing
- Rock climbing continues to teach confidence, problem-solving, and resilience, providing both physical and mental challenges that transfer beyond the wall.
- Idaho mountain biking and camping
- Students develop biking skills and endurance while exploring local trails and the Owyhee Mountains. Trips focus on technique, safety, and enjoying the wilderness.
- Ski and snowboard lessons
- Skiing and snowboarding lessons help students develop winter sports skills, fostering fun, confidence, and connection with classmates.
- Bikepacking Weiser River Trail
- Students bike 100 miles over a week along the historic Weiser River Trail, building stamina, resilience, and appreciation for Idaho’s landscapes and history.
- Rock climbing
- Rock climbing provides an opportunity for physical and mental growth, building confidence and teamwork skills in a supportive environment.
- Salmon River rafting
- This iconic whitewater rafting experience challenges students to work together, develop problem-solving skills, and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime outdoor adventure.
- Ski and snowboarding day
- Students continue building winter sports skills and enjoying the community experience at Bogus Basin.
- Hells Canyon backpacking
- This multi-day backpacking trip in North America’s deepest canyon focuses on wilderness survival, leave-no-trace ethics, and team collaboration.
- Rock climbing
- Rock climbing continues to teach students how to embrace challenge, face fear, and build resilience and confidence.
- Winter Yurt Camping Galena, Idaho
- Winter yurt camping introduces students to safe travel, proper clothing, and nutrition in cold environments, while providing miles of snowshoe trails and outdoor exploration.
High School outdoor education offers transformative wilderness experiences that foster independence, mentorship, and reflection. Trips are physically and mentally demanding, preparing students for leadership, collaboration, and life beyond Riverstone.
- Idaho Wilderness backpacking
- Students embark on a 3-day, 2-night backpacking trip in Idaho’s mountains, developing outdoor skills, resilience, and independence. This trip also provides opportunities for older students to mentor younger classmates while building community and confidence.
- Ski and snowboard day
- Lessons at Bogus Basin introduce students to skiing and snowboarding in a fun, supportive environment that emphasizes safety, skill development, and camaraderie.
- Grand Gulch Utah backpacking
- Students explore rugged terrain and learn about Indigenous Peoples’ history while backpacking in the remote, historic Grand Gulch area, building endurance, teamwork, and outdoor problem-solving skills.
- Rock climbing
- Rock climbing challenges students physically and mentally, helping them build confidence, face fears, and develop problem-solving skills that carry beyond the wall.
- Idaho Wilderness backpacking
- Continuing to build wilderness skills, students participate in a 3-day, 2-night Idaho backpacking trip that strengthens confidence, teamwork, and outdoor independence.
- Ski and snowboard day
- Students refine skiing and snowboarding skills at Bogus Basin while enjoying time with peers and developing winter sports confidence.
- Oregon Coast backpacking
- Students experience 5 days of hiking and camping along the Rogue River and coastal rainforest, exploring a unique ecosystem while building outdoor skills and leadership in a new environment.
- Rock Climbing
- Rock climbing provides physical and mental challenges, encouraging students to embrace risk, persevere, and build resilience.
- Idaho Wilderness backpacking
- Students take part in a 3-day, 2-night backpacking experience, reinforcing advanced outdoor skills, leadership, and teamwork.
- Ski and snowboarding day
- Lessons continue at Bogus Basin, emphasizing safety, technique, and community engagement through winter sports.
- Rock climbing
- Climbing challenges students to problem-solve, build confidence, and support peers while experiencing adventure and fun.
- Eagle Cap Wilderness
- Senior students reflect on their Riverstone journey during a multi-day backpacking trip in the Eagle Cap Wilderness. Rugged peaks, alpine lakes, and shared adventures foster community, celebrate achievement, and create lasting memories.
- Ski and snowboarding day
- Students enjoy skiing and snowboarding at Bogus Basin, focusing on fun, skill development, and camaraderie before graduation.
- Senior rock climbing trip to City of Rocks
- This celebratory trip occurs after IB exams and marks the culmination of Riverstone’s outdoor education program. Students climb world-famous rock formations with professional guides, reflecting on their experiences and creating lifelong memories with peers.
- Rock climbing
- Rock climbing continues to challenge seniors physically and mentally, providing opportunities for growth, confidence-building, and teamwork.
