1. Nature Bridge: Olympic Park Information Night

2. The Agenda Introduction DVD about Nature Bridge: Olympic Park
Power Point Presentation
Questions

3. Mission Statement
Nature Bridge’s mission is to provide educational adventures in nature’s classroom that inspires a personal connection to the natural world and responsible actions to sustain it. We are committed to creating an educational environment that engages students in active learning and directly compliments classroom curriculum. Our programs, inquiry-based and interdisciplinary in nature, seek to cultivate enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

4. and now the DVD about Camp

5. OPI-Lake Crescent

6. Our Focus-Watershed Science
“When you try to pick out anything by itself, you find it hitched to everything else in the universe.” John Muir
Our Focus-Watershed Science
Students learn about aquatic ecosystems and the role of water in terrestrial systems.
exploring diverse habitat to understand critical role of water
observe and study the impacts of different human activities on water resources.
Use the Scientific Method and inquiry based learning,
students partake in a variety of field and lab-based activities
study the health of Barnes Creek and the Elwha RIver
learn about a watershed’s natural and human-built features and exploring a riparian zone.

7. Experiments Students Will Perform
Dissolved oxygen levels
River current speeds
Identification of macro invertebrates-used as bio indicators
Ph levels in lake, rivers
Water “turbidity”- clarity
Chlorine testing
Water temperature – compare to what is ideal for organisms to survive/thrive.

8. Learning/Cabin Groups
Opportunity to get to know classmates in different ways
Community building experience in anticipation of moving into middle school
Free seating at meals
With friends during recreation time
All girls in one cabin and all boys in another.

9. A Typical Day At OPI 6:15-6:30 AM - Wake-Up 7:00AM - Breakfast
The OPI staff work education on food and natural resources in to our meals.
9:00-9:15 AM - Morning Meeting w/Educators - we all prepare for the educational day
9:15-4:00 PM - Instructional Day
Hikes and exploration of Barnes Point
Lunch is eaten while out in the field
4:00-5:00PM - Recreational Time
Shower and change
Write in journal
Play in the field
Teachers and chaperones supervise during this time
5:00 PM - Dinner
Kid-friendly meals
Teriyaki chicken
Burrito bar
Penne pasta
Ever popular pizza
Journaling about day
7:00- 9:00 PM - Evening Program
9:00 – Snack
9:15 PM - Off to bed (cabins heated, have electricity, and locks)
Lights out at 9:30

10. A Home Away From Home

11. Evening Programs
Besides the focus of the watershed, students will also experience evening programs.
Plenty-o-fish: An active program that helps students think critically from multiple angles of resource management and bio-monitoring. Students take on the roles of fishers and/or scientists that monitor the fish stock.
Closing Ceremonies/Campfire: Songs, stories, and reflections around a campfire.

12. Nature Bridge “Four Strikes” Discipline Policy
Strike 1 - verbal warning
Strike 2 - consultation with student’s teacher
Strike 3 - the student will write and sign a contract about what s/he will do to change the behavior
Strike 4 - the student may be removed from an activity, asked to call home, or in an extreme case expelled from the program

13. Leaving and Returning
Have your child bring all his/her gear to St. Bridget Church Parking lot when he/she arrives at school on Wednesday morning, April 26th, no later than 8:30 AM.
We are scheduled to leave at 8:45 to catch an 9:40 ferry via charter bus and should arrive at Nature Bridge about noon.
Upon our return Friday, April 28th, meet your child at St. Bridget between 6:00-6:15 pm.
-will send a group if we miss 4:40 pm ferry
There will be plenty of stories and learning experiences to share.

14. Chaperones Bill Richey Roger Crafts Norma Jenner Karen Jones
Jody Elsner

15. Medicines Package medicine(s) in original container(s)
Child’s name
Name of medication
Dosage
Epi-pens & inhalers
Please have Meds and paperwork to school on Monday, April 10th and deliver to Anne Terry in Office

16. What to bring… Waterproof Coat/pants/layers of clothing Poncho
See Norma Jenner to borrow rain gear if you would like.
Chapstick
Boots
Hat/gloves
Backpack
Books, disposable camera, cards
A sack lunch for the first day

17. What not to bring… EXTRA FOOD! Knives
Electrical devices/games-including, but not limited to, DS, I-pods, Cell-phones
Anything that would be sadly missed if lost!

18. Questions???

19. Emergency Contact Numbers
Nature Bridge: Olympic Park
(Karen Jones’ cell #)
(Bill Richey’s cell #)
(Jody Elsner’s cell #)