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”

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Overview What is outdoor education ? What will I be doing when I’m there? What will I see when I’m there ?

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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...

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” It’s a fun way to learn in the out of doors... …you may not realize how much you’re learning!

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Watershed Study You may explore the watershed and learn your place in it. You may collect and analyze data to determine stream health.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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!

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Evening Activities may include... Night Hikes Arts and Crafts Stargazing Campfires Skits, songs, or stories Games

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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!

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education Preparation

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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)

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What You Might Pack Shorts for rec time Binoculars Disposable (recycling) camera Compass Flashlight Lip balm, sunscreen Insect repellant (non- aerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Stationary and stamps Pen or pencil Watch

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” What NOT to Pack Electronic devices Aerosol Sprays Curling Irons Firearms Knives Hair dryers Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” 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!

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education at Skycroft

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” You Will Arrive for A Hike-in Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and long pants for a walk in the woods.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Gresham Hall – Classrooms and Dining Hall

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” There are small cabins and large cabins. Everyone sleeps on a bunk bed. CABINS

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Cabin Interiors

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Bathrooms Running water, flush toilets, private showers! There are bathrooms in each cabin.

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Dining Hall Buffet-Style, 8 to a table. Everyone gets a chance at KP. Will you win the Silver Spoon Award?

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Gymnasium for Recreation or Inclement Weather Activities

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” Mrs. Graben, Our Wonderful Nurse

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” The Outdoor Classroom or Amphitheater

“Nothing is real until it is experienced” “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