By applying skills of the classroom to the measurement, interpretation, analysis, and presentation of real life outdoor situations, the skills become relevant and have greater meaning. Separating kids from their everyday setting provides them with the opportunity to express new aspects of their personalities, achieve increased self-esteem, and gain a new perspective on how to relate to their peers. The curriculum offered is designed to use the strength of the setting to bring important knowledge to the student in a highly experiential format. Effectiveness of the curriculum will be continually evaluated and adjusted as needed. The students reported the outdoor school program had a lasting impact on their interest in natural sciences, attitudes about the environment, and the development of positive personal relationships.
Evaluations conducted on outdoor programs reveal important, diverse, near, and long-term impacts.
Decreased fear of the night and perceived dangers in nature. Heightened interest in environmental issues and having a career in natural resources. Increased outdoor skills. Good feeling about their new knowledge of the natural environment. Greater reflection on human impacts with a desire to modify behavior in a positive way.