Outdoor Education Information MeetingMarch 8, 2012

Welcome!

►Diana Holmes: Outdoor Education Coordinator and 6th grade Team Leader

►Carrie Adler: Outdoor Education Coordinator►Stephanie Lee: 6th grade Team Leader►Ben Costa: 6th grade Administrator►Alyssa Walstein: 6th grade Team Leader►Mary Cullinane: School Nurse

OverviewIn this meeting we will cover…

►What outdoor education is►What the program components are

►How the program worksto support MCPS curriculargoals

►Other functions and opportunities provided by outdoor education

When you hear Outdoor Education, what do you think of?•The word “camp”•Campfires, games and singing•Kids sharing meals, doing KP, crafts, etc.•Kids having fun outside•Recreational activities

What is Outdoor Education ?

Using the outdoors as a natural classroom to provide students with authentic learning opportunities and applications of classroom skills.

Why is it such a great experience?

►Everyone remembers outdoor ed because it provides…

►The opportunity to apply knowledge from the classroom to real life outside the classroom walls.

►The first taste of freedom and individual responsibility.

Major Goals

►To engage students with performance-based, authentic learning opportunities and experiences

►To begin the cultivation of students’ awareness, knowledge, appreciation, and concern for their natural environment

Major Goals

►Provide students with many direct experiences in using scientific processes including observing, measuring, classifying, hypothesizing and predicting►Make the students’ learning more meaningful by applying the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to real-life situations

Outdoor education is also performance-based learning:

Integrates all disciplines: reading, writing, science, math and social studies

Combines independent and cooperative activities

Emphasizes authentic problem solving and solutions

Provides content and assesses student skills and critical thinking

Outdoor Education at SkycroftSkycroft is located on South Mountain near Middletown in Frederick County. (52 miles away)

Cabins

There are several dormitories of various sizes at Skycroft. Girls’ dorms are completely separate from boys’ dorms.

Cabin interiors

Bathrooms

Gymnasium for Recreation or Inclement Weather Activities

Dining Hall

Sample Menu

►Students with food allergies or dietary restrictions should indicate this on their permission slip.

►Food can be packed from home, warmed and served to students who are unable to eat the meals served at Skycroft. Arrangements should be made with Mrs. Holmes or Mrs. Adler.

Instructional Activities

Predator/Prey

Students will research predator/prey relationships in classAt outdoor education students will participate in a simulation activity and collect data based on their experienceStudents will analyze the data to better understand the roles of animals in the food chain

Exploring the Watershed Using Map and Compass

Working as a team, students will explore the land surrounding the local stream and conduct a field survey that assess that riparian buffer.Students utilize topographic maps, compasses and GPS units to navigate.

Forestry Hike

Students will increase their awareness and appreciation of the total forest communityDuring forest exploration the students will study unique trees, identify trees, explore leaf and soil samples. Observation and small group discussion give students a glimpse of past customs and ways of life.

Confidence CourseEach center has a confidence course comprised of mentally and physically challenging events.All activities are designed to increase confidence, promote teamwork, and improve human relations.

Student Service Learning (SSL)Students participate in environmental service learning activities while at Outdoor Ed.Stewardship lessons may include habitat improvement, energy conservation, and protecting natural resources.These activities contribute to the 10 student service learning (SSL) hours earned during 6th grade.

Additional Activities Include:

Hiking on the Appalachian TrailHistorical sight-seeing: the original Washington Monument at the top of South Mountain

Interaction with wildlife: Reptile WondersProfessional storytelling by the Campfire BardSongs, skits, and gamesNight Hikes

Sample Schedule

► Students wake up at 7:00, breakfast is at 8.► Instructional time begins at 9 and lasts until 3 or 4 pm

(with lunch and a short break in between)► Rec Time before dinner at 5 pm, followed by cabin time► Evening Activities from 7pm-10pm, with a small snack

before lights out at 10:30.► There is the possibility of daytime attendance for those

students who are unable to stay overnight. ► A more thorough sample schedule will be posted on

Westland’s website along with other Outdoor Ed Resources.

When will my child go?

April 30-May 2 (Monday to Wednesday)Mr. VanBlargan’s students and Mrs. Villavicencio’s

students whose last names begin with the letters A through P.

May 2-4 (Wednesday to Friday)Mrs. Maas’s students and Mrs. Villavicencio’s

students whose last names begin with the letters Q through Z.

Departure and Return

►Arrive at school at 8:30 day of departure► Students may NOT ride bus regular school bus

with luggage►Make arrangements for carpooling

► Pick up on day of return is at 1pm.► Students should be picked up at school.► Please arrange rides home and notify team leader

Outdoor Education Preparation

What to Pack

► Sturdy footwear► Sweatshirts► Long sleeve shirts► Long pants or jeans► Pajamas►T-Shirts

► Socks (lots!)► Underwear► Waterproof raincoat or

poncho► Sheets and blanket or

sleeping bag, pillow► Toiletry items and towel► Bag lunch (no glass

bottles)

What You Might Pack

►Binoculars►Disposable camera ►Compass► Lip balm, sunscreen► Insect repellant (non-

aerosol)

► Slippers► Shower cap► Flip-flops or sandals

for shower use► Pen or pencil►Watch

What NOT to Pack

► SHORTS!► Electronic devices►Aerosol Sprays►Curling Irons► Firearms►Knives

►Hair dryers►Matches►Money►Glass bottles►Gum, candy, or food

Formsto be turned in to Social Studies Teacher

Permission Medical (if needed)

MEDICATION FOR OUTDOOR ED.► 525-13 form (Authorization to Administer Prescribed Medication) must be filled out for all

meds.

► Prescription meds: the prescription label needs to match the 525-13 with the exact doses needed for the trip. The form must be signed by the parent and doctor.

► Over the Counter meds: 525-13 filled out by parents (Part I and II) and DOES NOT need doctor's signature. Med must be in an UNOPENED container to be accepted for trip.

► 525-14 form (Emergency Care for Prevention of Anaphylaxis) filled out if child needs Epi pen for food or bee sting allergy.

► PLEASE TURN IN ALL MEDICATION AND PAPERWORK AT LEAST ONE WEEK BEFORE THE TRIP.

► If your child needs an inhaler or Epi pen please send a fanny pack with your child. They will be going on hikes where it isn't convenient to get to the health room. All inhalers should be in prescription boxes and it is recommended to pack a back up inhaler. Please remember there are many children with inhalers so please label and bring the box.

► Please notify us of any special diet concerns or health conditions.

► Your pediatrician should have the date of your child's most current tetanus shot.

Outdoor Ed Payment Plans

Student Name ________________________Parent Name ________________________

Please check one and return with a signed and completed permission slip.

____ Full payment included $84 due by 4/17Please write two checks: 1. One for $76 for the Outdoor Ed Program2. One for $8.00 as an activity fee

Please make all checks out to Westland Middle School. Please include your child's name on each check.____ Three payments.· First of 3 payments enclosed $28 due by 3/17· Second payment of $28 due by 3/29· Third payment of $28 due by 4/17

____ I need a financial waiver please callme at ________________________

Volunteers

►We have been recruiting high school junior and seniors to help assist with our students during Outdoor Ed.

►Parents interested in volunteering should review the Volunteer Brochure and contact Mrs. Adler for more information.

Volunteer Responsibilities

►Supervision in cabins►Support in instructional activities►Support in recreational activities►Photography/media presentation►Assist with campfires

For more information contact Mrs. Holmes or Mrs. Adler or check out the Outdoor Education website.

Resources and links will be posted on Edline soon.