family
RIVERSIDE EDUCATIONAL CENTER
PROVIDING STUDENTS A “SECOND” OUTDOOR FAMILY Words by Kristen Lummis | Photos by Jill Waugh
W
hen Edgar Corona began attending the
reflecting from his position as a REC youth
Riverside Educational Center (REC) after-
leader, a role he took on in high school.
school program in fifth grade, he figured he’d
work on homework, have a snack and hang out
patience, persistence and enjoying little things
with friends.
like admiring the view.”
“I
didn’t
know
REC
did
outdoor
programming,” he explains, adding that until
OUTDOORS + EDUCATION
he went rafting with REC before sixth grade,
The benefits of outdoor education, for individuals
his outdoor experience was limited to hunting,
and groups of kids, are well-known and largely
fishing and biking.
indisputable.
Now a student at Colorado Mesa University
“The outdoors is such a good vessel for
(CMU), Corona credits his adventures with REC
budding teens,” explains Jack Curry, who is both
for broadening his horizons.
REC’s outdoor program coordinator and middle
school coordinator. “It helps teens learn to
“My experiences with REC — rafting, rock
climbing and camping — sparked a fire for the
challenge themselves and build confidence.”
outdoors in me,” he shares, admitting to thoughts
of working as a summer river guide when he’s
consequences. If you don’t zip your tent, you
not busy with pre-med homework.
have consequences. If you don’t pack enough
water, there are consequences. The outdoors
“Much of what we do at REC, but especially
rafting, is very team-based,” he continues,
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“There are so many life skills we learn:
“The outdoors also provides immediate
teaches cause and effect and responsibility.”
