OUTDOOR EDUCATION

“[That] which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.”
— 1 John 1:1 NIV

The Outdoor Education Experience

     In this “information age” of cellphones, computers and television, it is easy to become disconnected from the natural wonder and beauty that surrounds us. Students may have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips, and yet not fully connect with the material they are learning about.

     Outdoor Education provides the opportunity for students to participate in learning through experiences.  Students learn through hands-on activities, group projects, and times of personal observation in a natural setting.  They will discover for themselves how organisms live in a community, how factors like weather or human decisions affect the natural world, and develop skills and habits that strengthen them physically and mentally, as they apply this knowledge in their own communities.

Reservations may be made up to a year in advance. For more information and registration information, please call (815) 784.5141 or send an email to office@walcamp.org.

We look forward to seeing you!

PROGRAM OPTIONS

 

Self-Programmed

     Many schools that have previously participated in Walcamp’s Outdoor Education have the advantage of parents and teachers who are capable of leading programming themselves*. Teachers may take the initiative and set up schedules and activities by matching lessons to their own school curriculum. While some activities still require supervision by Walcamp staff, this program is run entirely by the school itself.

*Self programmed groups MUST email/fax a schedule to the office 1 month in advance to ensure that there are no scheduling conflicts with other Walcamp guests.

Partial Program

     The Partial Program option blends the leadership of self-programming with the experienced instruction of Walcamp’s staff. Teachers can lead lessons and activities that fit their curriculum, while advanced skills classes, or unfamiliar subjects, are taught by a trained Walcamp instructor. Partial-programming groups should email/fax a schedule and list of requested lessons to the office 1 month in advance.

Full Program

     For those schools that are unable to conduct an Outdoor Education program themselves, there is an option for Walcamp to lead all the programming. Parents and teachers still supervise the campers, but the schedule and all lessons and activities are facilitated by Walcamp staff.  Early notice is needed if you plan a Full Programming, and groups should email/fax a list of requested lessons to the office 1 month in advance.