The center also features an archery range, beehives, a ropes course for building confidence and teamwork, and the 25-foot Lady Echo research vessel. Educational activities in the outdoor program include nature walks, waterfront studies, field activities such as plot studies and soil experiments, safety skills, arts such as photography and nature crafts, and group dynamics and communication skills. The center has a Capricorn II Weather Station located in the staff office. Paul DeRoo, teacher specialist in outdoor education, reports that their Capricorn provides information for staff decision-making. Weather criteria is written into activity policies.
Water safety is a good example.
The center has policies for use of small craft and the research vessel. Water boating activities are canceled when wind speeds reach 10 mph or higher, if air temperature is below 50 degrees, or if wind chill temperature is below 40 degrees. Trips on the Lady Echo research vessel are canceled when air temperature is 40 degrees or below, wind speed is 15 mph or more, or wind chill temperature is 32 degrees or below.