Our Expeditions
Santa Barbara Middle School's outdoor program is renowned for its excellence. It offers students transformative experiences that challenge both body and mind. Through biking, backpacking, and other immersive outdoor adventures, students learn to navigate adversity, push past their limits, and discover their inner strength. Along the way, they cultivate resilience, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility for themselves and their peers. This journey of self-discovery is a cornerstone of the SBMS experience, shaping students into confident, capable, and service-minded individuals.
What we offer through these expeditions is truly one-of-a-kind. Developed over more than 48 years, our itineraries are carefully crafted to align with our academic curriculum, ensuring that each adventure enhances classroom learning. Our expeditions' sequence, timing, and themes are intentional and inspiring, providing students with opportunities for personal growth and meaningful connection to the natural world.
What sets our program apart is the full participation of our faculty and staff, who serve as mentors, guides, and role models. These shared experiences foster deep and lasting relationships, creating a strong sense of community and support. Our commitment to outdoor education reflects our deep understanding of adolescent development—offering the right balance of challenge, adventure, and reflection to help students grow into their fullest potential.
At SBMS, the outdoors isn't just a setting—it's a teacher, a classroom, and a catalyst for lifelong learning.