Hobart and William Smith Colleges

This Week in Photos features “Outdoor Education: Theoretical Issues in Outdoor Pursuits,” the Colleges’ short-term study abroad program to Wales led by Assistant Dean of Hobart David Mapstone ’93. Hosted in partnership with the University of Wales Trinity Saint David, the summer program blends theory and hands-on experiences. Here, students gather for a photo at the ruins of Carreg Cennen Castle.

Ryan Montbleau ’19 (left) leads the group on a hike near Carreg Cennen Castle in the village of Trapp. Through experiential lessons and reflective course work, the Wales program explores topics spanning history and culture, sustainability and natural resources, and personal and social development.

Participants in the Wales program enjoy the surrounding beauty of the Welsh countryside.

With hundreds of sheep dotting the hillside behind them, Lara Johnson ’19 and Ryan Montbleau ’19 strike a pose while taking a break from hiking.

Students participate in icebreaker games to get to know their guides and fellow classmates.

Zarvan Shah-Asif ’18 and Parke Schweiter ’19 battle in a game of rock-paper-scissors while fellow group members cheer them on.

Melanie Patterson ’17, Lara Johnson ’19, Kelly Mauch ’17 and Brigit Mapstone, daughter of Assistant Dean of Hobart David Mapstone ’93, gather for a photo in front of a local pasture.

Charlie Seider ’18 (far left) shares a story while students enjoy a break from a full day of traveling as they relax on the grounds of Llansteffan Castle.

Students take in a view of the mist-covered ocean from Llansteffan Castle.

Back in town, Assistant Dean of Hobart David Mapstone ’93 captures an image of daily life in the narrow streets of Tenby, a small seaside community in West Wales.

Students spend some time in the classroom reviewing experiential education theory before hitting the trail.

Andy Williams (left) is assistant dean faculty of business and management at University of Wales Trinity Saint David. Williams directs the Wales program, here instructing students during the “Sense of Place Hike” about Welsh history.

Taking a rest from hiking, the group discusses Stonehenge and its possible origins with Williams.

The group’s hike continues through a vast field with expansive views.

As part of the Wales excursion, students enjoy a rock-climbing activity. Here, Ryan Montbleau ’19 focuses on ascending a steep cliff in the woods.

Melanie Patterson ’17 tried repelling.

Students go with the flow as they paddle down a local Welsh river during the group’s canoeing adventure.

Students gather for a photo before going on their next adventure to Paviland Cave.

The group discusses climbing routes and safety techniques as they prepare for a guided climb.

Participants of the Wales program work together to cross the ocean cliffs on their journey to Paviland Cave.

The group rests in the shadows after a rigorous hike.

Students get ready for their day of coasteering, which involves climbing, swimming and walking along the rocky coastline without the aid of boats in the cold Welsh ocean.

On a hike, the group enjoys the view just below the summit of Mount Snowdon in the northern region of Wales. Snowdon is the highest peak in Wales.

The group walks through beautiful Welsh forests.

With the aid of their headlamps, students in the Wales program make their way through an abandoned mine shaft.

Dylan Doeblin ’18 repels down a 90-degree cliff.

A rocky Welsh cliff.

Dylan Doeblin ’18 skips a rock during an ocean-side cookout on the final days of the trip.