HWS News
6 July 2023 An Outdoor Classroom in Wales
During the HWS Abroad program to Wales this summer, students participated in hikes and water courses while studying sustainability, conservation and personal development.
The Welsh countryside is a hub for outdoor activities and adventure. This June, students in the HWS Abroad summer program “Outdoor Education: Theoretical Issues in Outdoor Pursuits” explored a range of topics including sustainability, conservation, changing landscapes and personal and social development, using the nation’s landmarks and geographic destinations as their classroom.
The program was led by Hobart Associate Dean David Mapstone ’93, P’21 and is a partnership with the University Wales Trinity St. David, and their Outdoor Adventure Education program.
"The program is designed to allow students to learn about history, culture, environment, and policy through the active exploration of the surrounding landscape; and at the same time, challenge students physically, mentally, and interpersonally, so that they learn about themselves and their peers," Mapstone says. "In short, they have a very intense developmentally transformative experience within the context of “outdoor adventure.” It’s really powerful and fun to be a part of."
A flat in Carmarthen served as homebase throughout the program. From there, students traveled by van to various sites.
At the Preseli Hills, located in Pembrokeshire’s wild moorlands, students learned about the importance of Bronze Age hillfort settlements.
Outdoor Adventures in Wales
As part of “Outdoor Education: Theoretical Issues in Outdoor Pursuits” in Wales, students gather on a wall overlooking Carmarthen Bay.
John Haylock of University of Wales Trinity Saint David speaks to students as they make their way down Pen y fan, the highest peak in South Britain.
Students learn how to coasteer.
The program is a partnership with University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Students gather for a photo at an overlook in Snowdonia National Park.
Students hike in Brecon Beacons National Park.
Students rock climb.
Students observe the archeological site at Preseli Hills.
Students were able to summit the three highest peaks in Wales, Pen y Fan, located in Brecon Beacons National Park, Mt. Snowdon, in Snowdonia National Park, and Cadair Idris.
"At Cadair Idris, legend has it that if you sleep on the summit, which the students did, you either come back a poet or insane," Mapstone shares, adding that the myth added a special intrigue for the students.
Along the country’s rugged coastline, students learned how to coasteer. Popularized in Pembrokeshire, the activity combines rock climbing and swimming in order to observe cliffsides, narrow gullies and caves.
Throughout the program, students found a balance between going off grid, including a remote week-long experience in Snowdonia National Park, and exploring cultural centers, including a visit to Cardiff, Wales’ capitol city.
Seven students who traveled to Wales this summer will help lead the Spark! Outdoor Adventure Program (SPOARK) during Orientation this fall. Participating members of the incoming Classes of 2027 will meet classmates and learn new skills while hiking, sailing or kayaking through the Finger Lakes region.
MaryBridget Horvath ’24, who participated in the Wales program in 2022, says she is excited to share what she learned about outdoor education in Wales with the newest members of the HWS community.
“I am an avid adventurer and I love to be outdoors,” Horvath says. “I can’t wait to share that with new students.”
