Insight: EPS Ventures – Learning Beyond the Classroom

By Paul Hagen, Director of Student Well-Being

This weekend, we launch a new chapter in our Experiential Education program: EPS Ventures. Beginning with paddleboarding and kayaking on Lake Washington, students will now have more opportunities to step off campus and into the wider world—exploring the Pacific Northwest through outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. From hiking trails and tidepools to gallery walks and live theater performances, Ventures are designed to open doors to places and activities students might not otherwise encounter.

Born from a desire to provide accessible entry points for all students—even those with little or no prior experience—Ventures are guided by our Experiential Ed Coordinators, David Kelly-Hedrick and Elin Kuffner, and provide ample opportunities to explore and discover. These outings create space for students to build community, try something new, and see their world with fresh eyes. At its core, EPS Ventures is about embracing the idea that learning happens everywhere. Whether connecting with local communities, discovering the beauty of the outdoors, or sharing in the joy of exploration, students practice the very qualities at the heart of our mission: Thinking Critically, Acting Responsibly, Leading Compassionately, and Innovating Wisely.

At EPS, we aspire to inspire students to create a better world. Ventures offer small but meaningful steps in that direction—moments of wonder that spark lifelong passions, connections that strengthen community across grades, and challenges that build resilience and confidence. We know that sometimes the best preparation for the future is found not only in the classroom, but also in the kayak, on the trail, or in the shared experience of a cultural event.

Look for upcoming EPS Ventures in the Weekly News, and visit our webpage for more details. We are excited to see where this new program takes us and look forward to your students joining the adventure.