Outdoor Education Programs
Archeology Study (1 - 1.5 hours)
South
Birds (1 - 2 hours)
Explore the world of birds. Learn about the specialized adaptations that these animals have to be successful fliers, predators, nest builders, migraters and much more. We will go in search of birds to listen and observe. Through the hands-on use of mounts, feathers and nests the students will learn about amazing birds. [Biological Sciences 3.3; Environment & Ecology 4.6, 4.7]
Many people think that reptiles and amphibians are creepy and crawly animals. Through this lesson, students will learn that they are not so creepy after all. This is an exciting hands-on experience for students, as they are able to observe live reptiles and amphibians that are native to
Trees are more than just lumber and things that provide shade. Did you know that there are more than fifty species of oak trees? Discover the very important role that trees play in our lives. [Environment & Ecology 4.2, 4.3, 4.6; Inquiry & Design 3.2; Biological Sciences 3.3]
This is a basic ecology class which helps participants to become aware of the members of the natural community and understand the inter-relationships between the different members of the community. Participants will also learn what animals need for survival and the essentials of a good habitat. [Environment & Ecology 4.2, 4.3, 4.6; Inquiry & Design 3.2; Biological Sciences 3.3]
Students experience the day in the life of an insect by becoming entomologists, and exploring different insect habitats. Discover how important these creatures are to humans and the environment. Students will use nets to catch and examine these amazing animals close up. [Environment & Ecology 4.3, 4.6, 4.7; Biological Sciences 3.3]
Students will explore the terms habitat and ecosystem. They will create a habitat web that shows the interconnectedness of all living and non-living elements. Discussion, games and investigation of
Students will learn the basic characteristics of mammals. They will compare and contrast native mammals through the examination of furs and skulls. Students will be challenged with the task of putting a deer skeleton together. [Environment & Ecology 4.3, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8]
Life in a healthy small pond is often very abundant, however, not so much to the naked eye. These small macro- and micro-invertebrates are good environmental health indicators. Students will collect, identify, and study these many fascinating and wonderful creatures in our local pond. (Our camp van can only accommodate 10 passengers at a time. We will be happy to make multiple trips to the pond, which is only 5 minutes away from main camp. However, if you are able to provide an additional form of transportation for your group, that will be a benefit to the program). [Environment & Ecology 4.1, 4.3, 4.6; Biological Sciences 3.3; Earth Science 3.5]
Students will learn about food chains and webs through hands-on activities. They will discover the adaptations that are necessary for animals to survive by participating in a predator/prey game. [Biological Sciences 3.3]
Students will realize that soil is more than just dirt as they explore the world beneath their feet. Students get down and dirty learning about decomposition, erosion, soil layers, soil creatures, and more. [Earth Science 3.5, Geography 7.3]
For thousands of years, human survival depended upon the ability to be efficient and successful hunters. In order to do that, people had to be successful trackers. Students will learn how to track and investigate signs that animals leave behind – tracks, scat and bones. Through the use of track molds, bones and skulls the students will learn how to identify wildlife tracks and gain knowledge of the lifestyles of these animals. We will be detectives and search the woods for sign of wildlife at
This watershed class investigates how watersheds work, and why they are so important. We will use maps to determine the boundaries of our local watershed. We will explore the topics of erosion and the water cycle and students will build their own watershed model to better understand how they work. [Biological Sciences 3.3; Environment & Ecology 4.1, 4.3, 4.6; Geography 7.1, 7.2, 7.3]
The purpose of this class is to teach some basic weather concepts and to explore methods of predicting the weather. While completing some fun experiments, using weather instruments, and observing the natural world, students will begin to understand how and why it rains and snows. Learn how high and low pressure affects the weather and how to read the weather by observing clouds. They will even learn how to predict weather with weather instruments and how people once predicted the weather using weather folklore. [Unifying Themes 3.1; Earth Science 3.5]
Woods Walk (1 – 3 hours)
The focus is for the students to explore the forest ecosystem while getting exercise. Throughout the hike, South Mountain YMCA staff will discuss with the students interdependence of living and non-living components. [Geography 7.2; Physical Activity 10.4]