Our sixth graders recently returned from 24 hours in the backcountry. After learning about low-impact camping techniques and how to pack for the wilderness, they applied their knowledge at Tennessee Valley and the Point Reyes National Seashore. The students played group games, learned about the native wildlife, hiked to the ocean, and slept under the stars – obscured though they were by clouds and fog. While outdoor education is labor-intensive, we think it's worth it; research suggests it can boost young peoples’ confidence, attention span, and intellectual curiosity. Special thanks to Bay Area Wilderness Training for backpacks and other needed equipment.