Outdoor Education in Montgomery County Nothing is real until it is experienced Providing opportunities for all students in Montgomery County to engage in authentic learning outside of the four walls of the classroom
Overview What is outdoor education? What will I be doing when I m there? What will I see when I m there?
When you hear Outdoor Education, what do you think of? Campfires, games and singing Kids sharing meals, doing k-p, crafts, etc. Kids having fun Recreational activities Yes, it s all of these and more...
It s a fun way to learn in the out of doors... you may not realize how much you re learning!
Residential Outdoor Education You will be staying at one of three sites for 3 days and 2 nights. You will be participating in outdoor activities whatever the weather. Whether you go in spring, winter or fall be prepared!
Instructional Activities You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.
Watershed Study You may explore the watershed and learn your place in it. You may collect and analyze data to determine stream health.
Predator/Prey You will experience predator/prey relationships You will participate in a simulation activity and collect data based on that experience You will then analyze the data to better understand the roles of animals in the food chain
Orienteering Working with a team, you will find orienteering poles located at various places at the outdoor education site. You may use topographic maps, compasses and maybe even GPS units to navigate.
Forest Community You will become aware of what a forest is and learn about why forests are important to us. During forest exploration you might study unique trees, identify trees, explore leaf and soil samples.
Wildlife You will be involved in a series of outdoor activities focusing on various aspects of the wildlife community. These might include simulation games, hikes observing evidence of wildlife, surveys, and studies of animal adaptation.
Weather You may collect weather data at different locations at the outdoor education site. You will use weather instruments, interpret data, and make a weather forecast that you share with your team!
Local History Each site has its own unique history to be explored. Observation and small group discussion may give you a glimpse of past customs and ways of life.
Confidence Course Each center has a confidence course designed to challenge you mentally and physically. All activities are designed to increase confidence and to promote teamwork.
Evening Activities may include... Night Hikes Arts and Crafts Stargazing Campfires Skits, songs, or stories Games
Recreational Activities may include... Sports Nature Hikes Climbing a Tower Hiking on the Appalachian Trail Wagon Rides Or anything else your teachers plan for you!
Depending on the site, you may also study Astronomy Ecology Geology Field and Meadow Community Insect Studies Or any other topic that your teachers have planned for you.
Outdoor Education Preparation
What to Pack Sturdy footwear Hat Gloves or mittens (cold weather) Jacket Sweatshirts Sweaters Long pants or jeans Pajamas Shirts Socks (lots!) Underwear Waterproof raincoat or poncho Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow Toiletry items Bag lunch (no glass bottles)
What You Might Pack Shorts for rec time Binoculars Disposable (recycling) camera Compass Flashlight Lip balm, sunscreen Insect repellant (nonaerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Stationary and stamps Pen or pencil Watch
What NOT to Pack Electronic devices Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons Firearms Knives Hair dryers Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food
Forms you need to make sure your parents have filled out and signed!!! Permission Medical Be sure to bring these to school as soon as they are completed!
Outdoor Education at Skycroft
You Will Arrive for A Hike-in Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and long pants for a walk in the woods.
Gresham Hall Classrooms and Dining Hall
CABINS There are small cabins and large cabins. Everyone sleeps on a bunk bed.
Cabin Interiors
Bathrooms Running water, flush toilets, private showers! There are bathrooms in each cabin.
Dining Hall Buffet-Style, 8 to a table. Everyone gets a chance at KP. Will you win the Silver Spoon Award?
Gymnasium for Recreation or Inclement Weather Activities
Mrs. Graben, Our Wonderful Nurse
The Outdoor Classroom or Amphitheater
Americans have long thought that nature could take care of itself-or that, if it did not, the consequences were someone else s problem. As we know now, that assumption was wrong, none of us is a stranger to environmental problems. -Jimmy Carter, 39th president