“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
2010
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
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“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 two nights.
• You will be participating in outdoor activities whatever the weather.
• Whether you go in spring, winter or fall…be prepared!
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Instructional Activities
You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of 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”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“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”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Outdoor Education Preparation
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
What to Pack
• Sturdy footwear
• Extra pair of boots/sneakers
• Hat
• SPF/Sun Block
• Jacket
• Sweatshirts
• Long pants or jeans
• Pajamas
• Shirts
• Socks (lots!)
• Underwear
• Waterproof raincoat or poncho
• Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow
• Toiletry items
• First Day 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
• 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- Cell phones, IPODS, handheld game systems.
• Aerosol Sprays
• Firearms
• Knives
• Hair dryers/curling irons
• 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 the Smith Center
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
There are 8 cabins. Twenty people can sleep in each
cabin.
CABINS
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Inside Your Cabin
Classroom
Bunks
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Bathrooms
Running water, flush toilets, private
showers!
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Dining Hall
Eight people at each table, everyone gets to be a KP. Will
you win the Silver Spoon Award?
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
The Smith Center has a planetarium where you will
study the stars!
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
The Nurse’s Office
Just like at school!
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
You will study…
• Astronomy
• Ecology
• Geology
• Exploring the environment with technology (GPS)
• Patterns of Settlement (Social Studies – Unit 1)
Or any other topic that your
teachers have planned for you.
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
First day Schedule
• 9:30 AM Leave Sligo• 10:00 AM Hike In• 10:30 – 12:00 PM Orientation to Smith Center• 12:00 – 12:30 PM Lunch • 12:30 – 1:00 PM Cabin Info Cabin Setup• 1:30 – 4:00 PM Instructional Groups• 4:00 – 4:45 PM Recreation Time• 5:00 – 6:00 PM Dinner • 6:00 – 9:30 PM Evening Activities• 10:15 PM Lights Out
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Second day schedule
• 7:00 AM Rise and Shine• 8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast• 9:00 – 9:20 AM Clean cabins• 9:30 – 12:30 PM Instructional Groups• 12:00 – 12:45 PM Lunch • 1:30 – 4:00 PM Instructional Groups• 4:00 – 4:45 PM Recreation • 5:00 – 6:00 PM Dinner • 6:00 – 8:00 PM SSL Activities• 8:00 – 10:30 PM Evening Activities• 11:00 Lights Out
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Third Day Schedule• 7:00 – 8:00 AM Rise and Shine
• 8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast
• 9:00 – 9:20 AM Clean cabins
• 9:30 – 11:00 AM Instructional Groups
• 11:00 - 11:30 AM Lunch
• 11:30 – 12:30 PM Thank you’s
• 12:30 Load Buses to return to Sligo.
• 1:00 PM Parents Must Make Arrangements to have Students Picked Up Promptly at 1:00pm.
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
FAQ’s from parents
• How much does it cost ?
• What happens if my child get sick or hurt?
• How can I help?
• When does my child go to Outdoor Ed?
• Any other questions?
“Nothing is real until it is experienced”
Are there any questions?
“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