Adventure Pursuits is a dynamic and engaging PE class that pushes high school students to step beyond their comfort zones while building essential life skills. Unlike traditional PE Classes, this course focuses on outdoor and adventure-based activities, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and resilience through real-world challenges.
The curriculum emphasizes the principles of conservation in Missouri, while also introducing students to a range of outdoor activities. These include basic fishing techniques, survival skills, hunting methods, hiking, camping, archery, competitive shooting, and orienteering. Students will earn their hunter safety education certification and are expected to participate in all activities, including hands-on field trips that bring these skills to life.
Zach Turner, the PE teacher behind Adventure Pursuits, explains, “This class introduces students to outdoor recreational activities they might continue throughout their lives, promoting a lifelong commitment to health and wellness.” The course not only supports physical fitness but also provides an outlet for stress relief and mental health improvement, helping students build confidence and resilience that go beyond the classroom.
Students, too, have found value in the class. Clark Menley, a current Adventure Pursuits student, shares, “It’s important for those who enjoy outdoor activities to learn skills like proper survival techniques and fishing. The class is a lot of fun and offers a new and exciting alternative to your typical PE classes.” Izzy Chittakhone, another student in the class said, "I chose to take Adventure Pursuits class this year because it's important to know basic survival skills in case of an emergency. This class focuses a lot on how to navigate things on your own but also as a team. My friends who took the class last year would always tell me about the fun things they were doing like fishing, team bonding games, and cooking delicious foods on a grill. One thing I didn't expect was for us to learn the amount of knots Coach Turner taught us. We didn't necessarily have to memorize them but it sure was a challenge trying to learn how to do them. This is a great class to take if you love the outdoors."
In short, Adventure Pursuits offers high school students a rich, hands-on learning experience that supports their physical, emotional, and social growth. The class’s unique structure and emphasis on real-world skills make it a standout option in the high school PE curriculum.
Check out the photos from some Adventure Pursuits classes.