San Antonio Academy
Outdoor Education
San Antonio Academy's Outdoor Leadership Program is a key component of The Academy Experience and a required elective in kindergarten through 8th grade.
Through a developmentally appropriate curriculum, Academy boys engage in meaningful outdoor activities that strengthen their academic growth, reinforce responsible behavior, and shape confident, capable leaders grounded in respect for self, others, and the natural world.
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Primary School: Kindergarten–2nd Grade
In the early years, boys begin building a connection with nature through programming focused on exploring their natural environments. Students are provided with fundamental knowledge about animal identification and ecosystems so that when they enter Elementary School, they can understand the importance of conservation and wildlife management. Lessons include units on outdoor survival, hiking safety, campfire safety, camping essentials, wildlife and plant identification, agriculture, and more.
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Elementary and Middle School: 3rd–8th Grade
As the boys mature, Outdoor Leadership programming becomes increasingly challenging, adventurous, and rewarding. Students gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the outdoors as they discover their strengths and learn to become more effective leaders and cooperative team members. Students are introduced to hunting and shooting sports, archery, and hunter’s education in the fall. Spring instruction includes camping, hiking, fishing, conservation, and boater’s education. Each component emphasizes safety, ethics, and accountability, particularly in relation to hunting and wildlife stewardship.Valuable life skills like hunting, fishing, and camping are taught, with the boys learning the why and how behind them.
Students are offered the following opportunities:
- Hunters education certification upon successful completion of the course and state exam
- Boater education certification upon successful completion of the course and state exam
- Angler education
- Shooting sports (archery, rifle, shotguns, laser handguns)
- Overnight hunting trips
- Live target practice/ range time
- Fishing
- Overnight camping trips
- Overnight hiking trips
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Outdoor cooking
- Basic outdoor first aid
- Wildlife conservation
Additionally, the program partners with City Kids Adventures, a nonprofit led by Outdoor Leadership Teacher Leon McNeil. Through this partnership, students participate in weekend outings alongside youth from different socioeconomic backgrounds and cultures.
