Hulbert School Group Programs

In small groups our instructors present challenges that provoke problem solving, cooperation, clear communication, and trust.  Instructors use our low ropes elements as well as out of the bag initiatives.  As the group is ready, the instructor progresses to more challenging elements.  This experiential approach helps students recognize the strengths of each team member’s contribution. It helps students consider how they can best use their own strengths to help the team work best.  Each group debriefs with valuable discussions that address group dynamics, leadership, and collaboration.

Our high ropes course includes many elements: trapeze, zip-lines, rock climbing routes, and many mid-level and high bridges each offering unique challenges.  This course gives an opportunity for individuals to step out of their comfort zone and challenge their mind and body.  It also encourages a supportive environment that enables group bonding.  We practice challenge by choice and help students navigate the course to find something that fits their challenge level.  Many find that they can apply climbing on our ropes course as a metaphor for personal challenge in their day to day life. This activity can emphasize the importance of trust, support, and courage for leaders and teams. 

Hulbert’s spacious archery range accommodates 10 targets and allows students to shoot at distances from 10 to 30 yards. Our qualified instructors teach students how to safely handle a bow and arrow.  Instructors give individual instruction on proper form throughout the activity block while maintaining a safe range.   We keep this block engaging with fun activities like balloon shoots and volleys. 

We have beautiful waterfront property on Lake Morey.  We are also close to the scenic Connecticut River. All skill levels are welcome.  Instructors begin the block by teaching the parts of canoe and different canoe strokes.  We have two person canoes that offer students an experiential way of working together to navigate their boat.  We often spot turtles, birds, and fish as students explore open water and marshes.  Our staff lead students in canoe games, lake and river ecology. All students wear life jackets and there is a lifeguard on duty. 

This hands on block gives students the chance to learn basic survival skills while having a blast outside.  They learn how to build and maintain a fire, and then are able to cook over the fire.  Students also have the exciting experience of building a shelter with debris.  Our instructor will show students what to look for in picking a good campsite and how to safely treat water in the wilderness.  We introduce Leave No Trace Principles, and apply them throughout the lesson. This block is a great opportunity for students to experience the fun of playing in the woods while learning essential skills. 

Our beautiful 435 acre campus and the surrounding mountains of Vermont and New Hampshire offer incredible opportunities to explore and challenge participants. “Group Journey” is a 3-hour ramble with activities to explore the plants, animals, and human history of our forests and meadows. Popular activities include sensory awareness and natural history games. A group hike provides personal challenge for each participant, while also requiring that students consider the needs and abilities of all group members. Engaging conversations help groups bond and promote a feeling of accomplishment.  Instructors teach the botany of the area, point out signs of animals, and investigate land-use.

Instructors offer several activities that explore ecosystems and human impact. Forest ecology is an exploration of producers, consumers, and decomposers, as well as identifying native and invasive plant species.  In Aquatic Discovery, students collect and study freshwater macro invertebrates to gain an appreciation for the health and biodiversity of a freshwater ecosystem, employ basic methods of water quality testing, and gain an understanding of the water cycle and watersheds.  Predator Prey, an exciting all campus  tag based game, provides an understanding of the flow of energy through a food chain. Students recognize how small environmental changes can affect the larger ecosystem.

All students have the ability to become leaders for good in their community and impact issues that they care about. Hulbert leadership and community service sessions help students consider their talents and skills as well as particular themes on which they would like to focus (or a theme that has been chosen by teachers). Planning sessions may follow our InspiringKids Community Service curriculum and/or tie in with learning at school. Students may set goals, complete action plans, or simply brainstorm how and when they can make a difference.

Our overnight programs provides opportunities for continued fun, learning, and group bonding during the evening. Evening activities may include campfire games, talent shows, skits, stargazing, or group challenges. Free evenings offer choices such as board games, outdoor recreation, firebuilding & cooking, or sports. A highlight for many groups is Night Journey, when groups venture into the night to experience, explore, and discuss life in the dark while learning about nocturnal animals and their adaptations to darkness, experimenting with night vision, and exploring the powers of their other senses.