The Link School provides a unique learning environment for students, and if you were to talk to alumni and those familiar with what we do, one of the first things that you will consistently hear about are the trips. At Link School, we spend about one week of each month learning and recreating outdoors. We sleep in small tents or out under the stars, we use pit toilets, and take river baths when we get the chance, and we conduct classes on the river overlooking beautiful vistas, or wherever we can find a bit of shelter from the wind or rain.
Life at The Link School is nothing short of an adventure, and our month of October perfectly captured the balance, tenacity, and flexibility that staff and students demonstrate as members of this community. The month was filled with time in the classroom here on campus–where we recently received our first snow storm of the year, bringing a blanket of white to our home in the mountains–and with time learning in the desert as we embarked on a two-week trip to Western Colorado and Utah, our longest trip of fall semester.
Our trip was divided into three phases: mountain biking the Kokopelli Trail, boating through Ruby Horsethief Canyon andalong a day section of the Green River, and rockclimbing in Moab. In each phase students challenged themselves physically, grew metaphysically, and learned new skills to apply to their lifelong adventures in the outdoors.
During the mountain biking phase, we completed a nearly 50 mile stretch of the world famous Kokopelli trail, which extends from Loma, Colorado to Moab, Utah. The days were warm and perfect for enjoying the rocky mesas of the Colorado Plateau. Our rides included challenging climbs, fun descents, and one especially long day in the saddle amounting to nearly 26 miles. This was our most physically demanding part of the trip, and students were pushed to their limits. At Link, we call the practice of expanding our comfort zones being on our “growing edge,” and students certainly demonstrated being on their growing edge during this section.
The second phase of our trip was spent at Swasey’s beach, just north of Green River, Utah. During this phase, students learned the basics of swiftwater rescue: assessing hazards involved in various river scenarios, understanding the importance of being prepared ahead of time, evaluating a situation and acting quickly and safely, and tying basic knots and hitches. We also learned and practiced rope handling methods including throw bagging techniques and three-to-one pulley systems. Over the five day period, everyone paddled several rapids in hardshell kayaks or duckies (inflatable kayaks), or an oar boat. During this phase of our trip we had additional science classes and we read together excerpts from John Krakauer and Terry and Renny Russell by firelight. These writers helped cap off the day with inspiration to continue forward in a life filled with overcoming adversity, enjoying adventure, and building connection with the natural world.
For the final phase of our trip, we ventured to the Moab area for some rock climbing. We spent a perfect afternoon at Wall Street, a world renowned area known for its slabby sandstone and mix of moderate and challenging climbs. A highlight for many of the students from this phase of the trip was the swing at Looking Glass Arch. Generally, we encourage full participation in all of our programs here at the Link School; the swing is one of our few completely optional, purely recreational outdoor activities. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it includes a heart-pumping drop and a significant launch high above the ground in a breathtaking arch.
Upon returning to basecamp, students spent the final two weeks of the month diving deep back into classroom academics, bringing with them deepened confidence, spiritual fortitude, and love for the community. We also had the opportunity to visit town and participate in some fun Halloween festivities.
As we approach midterms and the completion of the first quarter of the year, we celebrate the strength and joy of this community and the growth and individual expression we see in each student. 
