Off Campus Learning

Academics And Programs › Off Campus Learning

Exploring the World Beyond the Classroom

At Inspire Academy, learning isn’t confined to four walls. Off-Campus Learning gives students meaningful, real-world experiences that deepen inquiry, build confidence, and help them connect their studies to the world around them. Whether exploring nature, participating in fieldwork, or taking on new challenges outdoors, students discover that learning can happen anywhere.

So far this year, Inspire students have traveled more than 760 miles—and counting—as part of our commitment to hands-on, experiential learning

Camptown Outdoor Adventures That Inspire

Every year, students participate in immersive outdoor experiences that build teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience.

Through partnerships with organizations like Camptown, our students enjoy a variety of adventures such as:

Natural Wonders Day Camp

A full day of outdoor exploration featuring fishing, team games, a guided hike, and canoeing basics. Students learn new skills while connecting with nature.

Eagle Creek Compass Challenge

A day spent navigating trails, practicing compass skills, and working together to complete outdoor challenges.

Overnight Cabin Retreat

Students experience hikes, campfire fun, and stargazing during a cozy overnight stay in the woods—a memorable blend of learning and community-building.

Overnight Tent Camping Trip

A true outdoor adventure where students practice hands-on camping skills, cook together, and build confidence through new experiences.

Winter Adventure: Snow Tubing

A favorite among students—an opportunity to embrace the season, try something new, and enjoy the outdoors in a whole new way.

These experiences help students grow in perseverance, curiosity, and teamwork—key habits of scholarship at Inspire Academy.

Fieldwork: Learning in Real Places

Fieldwork is an essential part of our learning model and a core practice of EL Education. Students engage in purposeful, curriculum-connected work that allows them to study real people, places, and problems.

Examples include:

Visiting local parks, nature preserves, and community sites
Connecting with experts, entrepreneurs, and local organizations
Collecting data, conducting interviews, and participating in service-learning
Exploring regional destinations that enrich classroom studies

We encourage teachers to bring students out into the community at least monthly. While trips vary by grade level and curriculum, students consistently benefit from new perspectives and hands-on experiences.

For more on the EL fieldwork model: https://www.eleducation.org/resources/fieldwork-overview

Why Off-Campus Learning Matters

Off-Campus Learning helps students:

Make real-world connections to academic content
Build confidence by trying new activities and environments
Develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills
See themselves as capable learners and explorers
Create lasting memories that strengthen community and belonging

These experiences complement our habits-based approach to character education—helping students grow in curiosity, perseverance, empathy, integrity, joy, and quality.

Learning That Travels With Them

Whether canoeing for the first time, navigating a forest trail, interviewing a local expert, or stargazing on an overnight retreat, students carry these experiences with them long after the trip ends.

At Inspire Academy, off-campus learning isn’t a bonus—it’s an essential part of helping students become confident, capable, and connected learners.