Why do Outdoor Education?
In this “information age” of cell-phones, computers and television, it is easy to become disconnected from the natural wonder and beauty that surrounds us. Students can have a wealth of knowledge at their fingertips, and yet not fully connect with the material they are learning about.
Outdoor Education provides the opportunity for students to participate in learning through experiences. With hands-on activities, group projects, and times of personal observation in a natural setting, students discover for themselves how organisms live in community, how factors like weather or human decisions affect the natural world, and develop skills and habits that strengthen them physically and mentally, as they apply this knowledge in their own communities.
The education programs Walcamp offers provide a variety of options. Our Environmental Education units explore specific subject areas, such as trees, animal evidences, or comparisons of different ecological communities. Outdoor Skills units provide the chance to try new skills like archery or outdoor cooking, and encouraging students to develop interests in outdoor recreational activities. Our Social and Community Life units offer a glimpse the role of humankind through historical study or team-building events that teach the importance of each person in a class or group.
Walcamp offers educational programs year-round, with units adapting to match the changing seasons, and many of the skills taught correspond with Illinois educational standards. Program options include one-day events, or multiple-day options during a week or weekend with on-site housing and cafeteria-style meals. Our staff is energetic and each member brings a wide range of experiences and knowledge into the program.
Scheduling is limited to housing and staff availability, so please make your plans as far in the future as possible. Many schools even choose to reserve their event up to a year in advance. For information or registration information, please contact Debra by calling 815.784.5141 or send an email to registrar@walcamp.org.
Thank you for your interest. We look forward to seeing you!