As the weather cools and the days grow shorter, Storm King’s inaugural Outdoor Adventure Award (OAA) team has been making the most of the season, putting their newly acquired skills to the test in the great outdoors. Recently, the OAA team embarked on their first practice overnight expedition at nearby Black Rock Forest.

“Students in the OAA program have been working hard to build their confidence and knowledge in the backcountry,” said Coach Rob MacSwain. “They’ve also been physically preparing by hiking on trails of varying difficulty. In addition, they’ve been learning a wide range of essential expedition skills, such as map reading and navigation, wilderness first aid, backcountry cooking and nutrition, and other vital survival techniques to prepare them for their adventures.”

Before setting out on their overnight trip, the students were tasked with planning their five-mile hiking route, organizing their essential gear, and collaborating with Storm King’s dining staff to prepare a meal plan for the two-day trek.

“The group had a fantastic time, putting all their skills to use,” MacSwain added. “We’re grateful to Black Rock Forest for allowing us to explore the area and stay in the old Stone House. Despite the physical and mental challenges of this practice expedition, the students felt a great sense of pride in their accomplishments and the hard work they put into preparing for the trip.”

With the success of this first expedition behind them, the OAA team is excited to see where their next adventure will take them.