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Teaching kids to care...
Help your students build environmental sensitivity
with an experience in an outdoor classroom. Camp Sealth’s
beautiful forests and wetlands, on the shores of Puget Sound, are
the perfect setting for students to explore a variety of subjects
and form a bond with the natural world. Wonder where bald eagles
build their nests, see an otter bring fish to her young, or make
twine form a stinging nettle … these are just a few of the
exciting possibilities at Camp Sealth on Vashon Island.
Camp Fire USA Outdoor Program Philosophy
Camp Fire USA was established with a strong foundation
and belief in providing positive outdoor experiences for youth.
The belief that children need a connection with the natural world
is fundamental to the Camp Fire USA mission, core values, and programs.
We believe in the power of nature to awaken a child’s senses,
curiosity and desire to learn.
Youth development outcomes are the benefits young
people receive, or the changes in their behavior, skills, knowledge,
attitudes, values, condition, or other attributes through participation
in a program. The following outcomes provide the foundation for
the design of our outdoor program:
* Increased knowledge of and appreciation for the natural environment.
* Increased sense of competency and empowerment.
* Greater self-awareness and positive values.
* Increased social skills and a sense of belonging.
Sealth Environmental Education Program Elements
Program Setting — Camp Sealth
is located on 400 acres and includes a mile and a half of beachfront.
The opportunities for experiential education here are fantastic.
Our site encompasses many diverse ecosystems which serve as our
classroom. We focus on experiential education though holding classes
outdoors, taking advantage of our beautiful environment and extensive
trail system.
Creating Community
— Sealth’s property provides a natural, self-contained
environment with access to all of the essentials of living: safety,
wellness, food, and shelter. Sharing a living space builds community
as students learn how to care for themselves as well as live well
with others. Also, some of the best youth development occurs in
a small group setting where students are allowed to take
the lead in accomplishing tasks and setting the pace for their own
learning.
Program Structure — Schools
can select from a wide variety of curriculum choices, and schedules
can be designed to meet each organization’s needs. Program
activities are structured to allow students to have the most positive,
beneficial experience possible. Students can be successful at camp
in ways that the structure of a school environment may not allow
them to be.
Being Intentional — Because
Sealth’s Environmental Education Program is inquiry-based,
students gain a sense of individual competency when activities lead
them to discover new concepts. The learning derived from trying
new things and acquiring new skills empowers students. The experience
of learning outdoors in a supportive community is powerful because
students enjoy learning. An Outdoor School experience is often a
student’s fondest memory of school.
For further questions, to visit
camp, or to reserve time for your school, call the Environmental
Education Program Manager, Alisa Winkler, at 206 463 3174 ext. 34.
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