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Students, naturalists, and seasoned educators agree that teacher participation is intimately related to student success at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ. Because teachers know the students best, the Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ staff look to teachers’ support, advice, and guidance in their efforts to build relationships with students. Teachers' endorsement of and participation in activities that motivate students and legitimizes their involvement as well as prepares instructors to integrate outdoor education into classroom-based lessons.

Throughout the week, teachers have specific responsibilities including office duty, cabin checks, and "teacher time" with their students. Teachers are also encouraged to accompany their students to outdoor education activities. On the last day of the week, teachers will have the opportunity to meet with the Site Director to evaluate the program. An outline of the weekly schedule can be found on the Weekly Schedule and Menu page.

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During Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ

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Supporting Cabin Leaders

School district outdoor education coordinators recruit students from local high schools to serve as cabin leaders, at an average ratio of one cabin leader to ten students. Cabin leaders travel with their assigned school to the Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ site. Upon arrival, they attend an orientation session and briefing with the Senior Naturalist. Teachers may decide to provide a pre-Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ orientation for potential cabin leaders.

A cabin leader's most vital responsibility is to serve as a role model and provide strong leadership for the students assigned to his or her cabin. Cabin leaders' actions, attitudes, and behaviors are closely observed and often imitated by the students. Therefore, the students' successes at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ are determined largely by the positive modeling of their cabin leaders. Specific duties include assistance with student move-in, review and enforcement of rules, design of campfire performances, and nighttime student supervision. Cabin leaders also contribute to the maintenance of order during naturalist-led activities and oversee students during mealtimes.

Districts are highly encouraged to participate in the selection of cabin leaders. Teachers should contact their district's outdoor education coordinator if they are interested in being a part of the selection process. Teachers can ensure the quality and continuation of the high school cabin leader program by providing positive feedback to the cabin leaders, their high schools, local newspapers, and the community after their return from Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ.

Supporting Parents

Parents are also essential to student participation in and enjoyment of the Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ program since parent enthusiasm and endorsement dramatically affect the students' experience.

Prior to Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ, a naturalist visits each attending school to provide a presentation to help prepare the students for their week. Parents are welcome to attend this session but should be aware that this is a primarily student-focused presentation. Schools may want to hold a parent information session as well. Because parents are not permitted to visit their children during their week of Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ, parents often appreciate an information session or site invitation.

Medical supervision is provided for students at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ 24 hours a day. Parents can inform the Healthcare Specialist of any student medical needs by recording allergies and conditions on the registration form. The Healthcare Specialist, who is the resident EMT, will dispense any necessary medication and will contact parents should a child experience medical problems while at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ.

Parents can assist their children by adhering carefully to the clothing checklist. Proper clothing for the seasons is essential for the students' comfort and well-being. Parents should also be aware of what is not permitted at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ.

While Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ is an opportunity for student academic and scholastic growth, it also presents an opportunity for social and individual growth. It is normal for students to miss their family and home for the first few hours at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ, but being away from home is an important part of the pre-adolescent maturation process. Parents can help prepare their children for this experience by communicating their excitement and by arranging overnights prior to Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ attendance. Also, parents can help ensure a full experience at Outdoor аÄÃÅÁùºÏ²Ê×ÊÁÏ by having the students stay the entire week with no interruptions (i.e. pulling out students for extra-curricular activities such as little league games, recitals, etc.).