Empowering Minds, Nurturing Nature
What is O/Ex?
The Basalt Education Foundation's Outdoor/Experiential Education (O/Ex) program is a dynamic initiative aimed at enriching the educational experience of students in the Basalt area. Spearheaded by Desiree Pimentel, a dedicated O/Ex Coordinator and alumna of Basalt High School, this program took off in February 2022, following the growing demand from local schools. The O/Ex program has been designed to provide students with hands-on learning experiences that take place beyond the confines of the traditional classroom. It fosters a deep connection between students and the natural world, offering a diverse range of activities such as outdoor excursions, team-building exercises, and environmental education. Through these immersive experiences, students gain valuable life skills, develop a sense of environmental stewardship, and enhance their overall well-being.
Desiree has been a vital part of making ExEd trips at Basalt High School happen. She organized all of the logistics for the Freshman Hut Trips and Sophomore Adventure trips including booking huts and campsites and day activities. She planned meals, bought food, and coordinated the packing of food for all freshman and sophomore groups as well as snacks for the Senior retreat. She kept track of what gear each trip needed including which students needed tents or sleeping bags and got extra cold weather gear to make sure our students had everything they needed for a fun and safe experience. She is incredible!
— Megan Hartmann, BHS Principal
Desiree has been a HUGE help in taking over the role of getting outdoor education trips planned, helping students get the supplies they need to be prepared for the trip, finding donations for outdoor gear, organizing supplies, purchasing food and overall taking A LOT of tasks off of the plates of teachers and administrators to allow them to focus on other parts of their work.
— Jennifer Ellsperman, BMS Principal
Desiree has been a huge benefit to our outdoor ed program. She has taken the heavy lift of organizing trips off the shoulders of our teachers. She has also taken the long view to align our programs so there is a coherent progression for students.