Pope John Paul II said “The aesthetic value of creation cannot be overlooked. Our very contact with nature has a deep restorative power; contemplation of its magnificence imparts peace and serenity.” The health benefits, both on our physical and mental wellbeing are well documented. A scientific study published in Nature magazine found that spending just two hours a week outside lowers your blood pressure, reduces stress, boosts your immune system, and improves your mood. In the Subiaco campus area, you can sit by the Arkansas River and be restored by the sound of the rushing waters. Subiaco is overlooked by Arkansas’ tallest mountain – Mt Magazine, and there are miles of private trails for students to contemplate and grow.

The Ouachita Mountains and the Ozarks are ours to explore! Hiking and climbing in the mountains is a great way of enjoying nature and connecting with your faith. Everyone has their journey to make, with uphill struggles, but how we conquer the challenges in life makes all the difference. Subiaco is blessed with an abundance of mountains, lakes, and wild spaces to explore. And, for our boys, spending time in nature, away from coursework and screens can help improve their overall well-being.

Our Outdoor Adventure Program Director, Mr. Nick McDaniel, often refers to his program as having three facets.

In the classroom - Our main focus is our Outdoor Adventure Program. We have adopted the curriculum from the Outdoors Tomorrow Foundation from Texas and partnered with the Arkansas Game and Fish. The class is focused on our junior high students to gain experience and skills in all the recreation activities that Arkansas has to offer including. At Subiaco, these skills include water sports, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping, backpacking, hunters education, archery, wilderness survival, outdoor cooking, and fishing. We also include hands-on classes in Natural Science including Biology, Environmental Science, and Earth science that explore the complexities of the Natural world. 

After school - this program can be divided into three seasons with each season focused on getting students outdoors longer and a stronger development in certain skills and activities. Each program has its own interpersonal skills and physical development that are unique and powerful in the development of young men, some including confidence, risk assessment, comradery, persistence, and discipline. 

Fall - Cross-country mountain bike racing with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA)

Winter - National Archery In Schools program

Spring - Rock climbing & water sports

Weekend Excursions - are trips that vary in duration and often result in students getting their toes wet, legs tired, lungs strained, and souls filled while exploring the Natural State. We average 3-5 overnight trips and 5-7 day trips a semester. Destinations for these excursions have included Horseshoe Canyon Ranch, Lost Valley, White Rock Mountain, Mount Magazine, Cove Lake, Mount Nebo, and Hot Springs National Park

Mount Magazine State Park is a place for exploration and relaxation, and just a stone’s throw from campus, it is the perfect place for students to enjoy camping. Camping in nature is a reminder of the enormity of the universe and our own significance. When you are camping at the state park it is worth learning a few wilderness skills including building a fire safely to cook on. Learning to survive with what God has given us in nature is an important lesson in modern times. 

At Subiaco Academy, there are the amenities to go kayaking or canoeing on the Arkansas River. Working together on the water to achieve a shared goal, helps students develop their social skills and build relationships. It is also about appreciating the journey as much as the final destination – this is an important way to consider life and faith. The Arkansas River is a haven for birds and wildlife. It is common to see Ospreys, Great Horned owls, Golden eagles, and Chimney Swifts on the river, swooping in for trout. Spending time watching the birds is a real privilege.

Our dedicated Outdoor Education Specialist is trained in how to help our students best experience the great outdoors in a safe and comfortable manner. Our program is well-equipped to handle whatever adventure the students come up with, from tents and hammocks to climbing gear and kayaks. Coupled with Subiaco’s own private outdoor playground, the Outdoor Adventure Program is one of one-of-a-kind and instrumental to our mission of providing a well-rounded foundation for our students to succeed.