Finding Peace on the Trail: How the Wilderness Class Changed My Perspective

OPINION—Last year, DJDS Farmette Manager Alix Kivlin established the Denver Jewish Day School Wilderness Trailblazing class. After one successful year in the high school program, Kivlin extended it to middle school. I have had the pleasure of watching her work tirelessly over the past year, building the class into the amazing program it is today. 

The Wilderness Trailblazing class teaches students a variety of outdoor skills, including first aid and backpacking techniques. Though it is relatively new, students are quickly learning critical wilderness skills, taking part in meaningful expeditions, and understanding the value of hands-on experience. 

“As someone who is frequently active in the outdoors and also an educator, I love finding ways to create unique teachable experiences. And the keyword there is experiences,” Kivlin said. 

Every Wednesday, she finds new ways to share her love and passion for the outdoors with students. Students’ learning focuses on experience, wilderness first aid, and other outdoor skills. 

Trailblazers have even received training in first aid and avalanche safety from Bondi Outdoor Leadership, providing knowledge that is both practical and engaging. I learned how to splint almost every limb using unexpected items found in a backpack or in nature, and how to rescue people in avalanche scenarios. We even practiced first-hand rescue scenarios using transceivers, probes, and shovels to locate a “person” buried in the snow. 

While we did not receive formal certifications, the experience was invaluable. Kivlin has made this program truly special, combining outsider training with the knowledge she has gained from her own adventures. She teaches not only backpacking and camping skills but also shares clever tricks she has learned along the way. 

The high school program has already gone on several trips. Last year, the first trip was a Yurt experience in Nederland, Colorado, in late November. We spent time bonding as a class, playing card games, making pizzadillas, and sitting around the fire — a rare and memorable experience. 

Last spring, a three-day “Backpacking 101” trip on a section of the Colorado Trail in Bailey, CO, taught us how to pack efficiently, purify water, cook in the backcountry, and much more. That trip also strengthened friendships, creating bonds that go beyond the classroom. 

This semester, Kivlin led two backpacking trips — one for high school and one for middle school. On the high school trip to Lost Lake in Nederland, it was just me and six other boys alongside Kivlin and her friend Kate. If it weren’t for Kivlin’s dedication and encouragement, I would not have gone. 

I am excited to see what future trips bring. Each of these experiences is incredibly valuable. For me, a random hike or trip outdoors is a gift of peace and happiness. There is nothing more calming than taking a break from the stress of finals to learn and explore in a new way. 

“I love being able to teach what I love and value and see those experiences and skills valued by students; it fills me with so much joy and ambition,” Kivlin said. “In this technology-focused world, seeing the younger generation slow down, get a bit dirty or sweaty, and brainstorm together on decisions that can affect our teams’ well-being is so enriching for them, and for me.”