This is a blog used for information, student writings, and travel updates about/for the Houston Outdoor Learning Academy, located in the Heights area of Houston, Texas. The Houston Outdoor Learning Academy, HOLA, is a non-profit 501(C) (3), full-time non-traditional school for students in grades six through twelve (ages 11-18) who wish to combine their inquisitive nature and enthusiasm for the outdoors with personal academic growth in an educational setting that uses a hands-on approach to enhance self-esteem, multiple intelligences, academic knowledge, social skills, and personal development.

As part of the student's education at HOLA, there are two trips taken each year: a backpacking trip in the fall and an international trip each spring. This past fall (October 2008), the school traveled to Taos, New Mexico and spent three days backpacking in the Wheeler Wilderness area and climbed Wheeler Peak, the highest peak in New Mexico at 13,141 ft. This Spring (March 31-April 16, 2009), the school will be traveling to Guatemala and Belize in Central America.

Our trips are specifically designed as an educational experience and more than just a vacation. Our school has a great group of students who work very hard at fundraising and preparing for their trips by learning about the culture, history, and language of the country(ies) we travel to each year.

Stay tuned for further information/journal entries about our trips!