To: Future Fifth Grade Parents-Heritage Trails Elementary
From: Kelly Grantham, Outdoor School Director
Re: Outdoor School Parent Counselors
Date: November 11th – November 15th, 2013
We are currently recruiting parents wishing to volunteer their services as Outdoor
School counselors during the week of November 11th – November 15th, 2013. As a
counselor, you would be responsible for supervising those students assigned to your cabin
at all times and to participate in all activities in which the students are involved. In order to
continue the program in the coming years and guard against any serious injuries, we must
have counselors who are supportive of what the teachers are doing and who will conduct
themselves in a responsible manner. At Outdoor School we do not allow pranks of any kind
instigated by adults or students.
We will need 2 counselors per cabin and we project our counselor needs right now
at 20. Each counselor will pay his/her fee to camp.
All counselors attending Outdoor School will have a criminal background check run
by the district though the state. This procedure is district policy for all persons who work
with students and is just another step in trying to maintain the safest possible learning
environment for each child.
If you are interested in assisting as a counselor, please complete the counselor
volunteer application and return it to the school as soon as possible. All applications will be
held in strict confidence and will be reviewed on an equal basis. If you are selected as a
counselor, you will receive a letter of confirmation. You will also receive information
regarding a counselor orientation meeting to be held at a later date.
We are looking forward to an incredible experience for Heritage Trails Elementary
at Camp Classen Outdoor School.
Thank you,
Kelly Grantham
Heritage Trails Outdoor School Director
Why Outdoor School?
Objectives:
1. Provide academic experiences for students in an outdoor setting which are not
available in the regular school setting.
2. Provide sensory experiences which will help students develop awareness of and
appreciation for the interdependence of the natural and physical worlds.
3. Provide social experiences for students which promote a cooperative spirit and
team building within the group.
Trail Lessons:
Two-Three hour lessons trails extending the 5th grade science curriculum.
*Water Trail: Lessons on hydrology, succession, natural & energy resources
*Geology Trail: Lessons on geology & building forces of the earth
*Fossil Trail: Lessons on interdependence of all living things and biomes
Daytime Activities:
Team Building: Problem solving activities cabin groups must solve together
Archery: Develops large motor skills
Boating: Rowboats & canoes (life jackets are required)
Owl Pellets: Dissecting, observing, analyzing prey/predator relations
Horseback: Horsemanship procedures for safety & enjoyment
Sports: Field games, volleyball, basketball
Evening Activities:
Guest Speakers
Campfires
Night Hikes
Flag Retiring Ceremony
Skits & Awards
Skills Developed:
*Cooperation *Teamwork *Sharing *Physical Strengthening
*Responsibility
Camp Classen Outdoor School
Student Packing List
Recommended Items:
Sneakers (extra pair, if possible)
T-shirts
Shorts
Jacket
Pants
Underwear
Hat/gloves for cold weather
Socks: 2 per day
Towel and washcloth
Toiletries—soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant
Pajamas
Shower shoes
Cap or hat
Backpack to carry around camp
Things to keep in back pack:
Sunscreen
Water bottle
Bug spray
Flashlight
Poncho or rain jacket
Sleeping bag OR sheets and blanket
Pillow
If desired:
Money for trading post ($3/ day for a snack and drink…more for other souvenirs)
Journal
Book for quiet time
Stationary, envelopes, stamps
Camera (disposable only)
Things to leave at home:
Electronics, including:
Ipods
MP3s
CD players
Cell phones
Expensive jewelry
Knives, weapons
Gum
Shaving cream, chalk, silly string