LET US TAKE YOUR CLASS OUTSIDE WITH OUR “#GET OUT!” PROGRAMS!

We believe that some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Our outdoor educators can visit your class, taking you just beyond the school yard to provide place based and inquiry focused learning on a variety of subjects.  

Columbia Outdoor School provides programming focused on environmental education, outdoor recreation skill development, and leadership.

Each program is designed to meet the specific Big Ideas and Core Competencies for each grade level. We accomplish this through fun, meaningful and collaborative learning experiences in the natural environment.

PROGRAM OPTIONS:

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Forest Ecology

Can’t see the forest for the trees? We’ve got the solution! In this session you will discover your local forest and learn about the variety of tree features that are useful for identification of local trees. From bark to buds to leaf scars and needles to cones…you will get hands-on experience in reading these clues and more in your forest.

Wetland studies

Feeling bogged down in the classroom? Join us for a hands on, boots on experience as we explore your local wetland and creeks. Critters, swimmers, and birds of prey are just some of the wildlife your students will discover and connect to their watershed and beyond.

invaders

How much of a difference can one species really make anyway? Explore how the accidental introduction (or not-so accidental) of a single species can uproot an entire ecosystem. Learn how to identify the invasive species in your community in order to determine if there is an alien species taking over your schoolyard. Students will learn how to conserve their natural ecosystem, avoid the spread/introduction of invasive species and even discover how they can help their community put a stop to the invasion around them!

Wildlife and biodiversity

Get outside with your class as you become conservationists for the day through a hands-on discovery session on the living things around you. Your class will discover what biodiversity in your local community looks like, and how all of the critters and plants depend on and thrive off of one another. Learn how we as humans leave a positive and negative impact on the ecosystem on the local and world-wide scale, and walk away with the knowledge to promote ecosystem conservation in your school and community!

PREDATOR, Prey RELATIONS

A first hand, or paw experience- a day in the life of local predators and their prey. Students will classify wildlife and intern themselves into herbivores, omnivores and carnivores. Through a high activity game they will play out their role while hunting their prey, or hiding from them. Students will understand why animals choose to travel in packs or on their own, how camouflage plays a vital role in their sustainability and the role people play in relation to the food chain.

Population Dynamics

Oh Deer! Why do we have so many deer in town?!? Through a simulation game students will become deer and their most basic needs: food, shelter, water and space. This activity emphasizes how important these needs are, and what happens when they are in short supply or in excess. The results are graphed and debriefed by our outdoor educators connecting their experience to real world applications, conservation vs. sustainability, carrying capacity and the effects of population change.

To Hibernate, or not to hibernate? that is the question.

How does the onset of winter affect us, as well as our ecosystem? How do we and the critters of our local community adapt to these changes, and what circumstances must living things endure to ensure their survival all winter long? Join us for an outdoor adventure in which you and your students will have the opportunity to observe, learn and share the changes that are occurring all around us!

Interpretive Hike/snowshoe tour

Grab some snowshoes and join us as we explore all that winter has to offer in your local forest. Through this interactive adventure, you will observe, examine and play in the snow that has fallen all around us. This guided interpretive hike will be customized to your local forest area! Columbia Outdoor School can provide equipment rentals if needed.

OUTDOOR EDUCATION:

Fire triangle

Challenge your students in an a quest for fire! Here, they will gain essential outdoor skills to build a fire, no matter the conditions. Students will decide what tools they would prefer to bring with them on a camping expedition, the best place to collect materials for their fire and fire safety protocols.

sURVIVAL

Expect the unexpected, and prepare for it! Take your students outside for an afternoon full of exciting and engaging survival skills that will ensure their comfort in any outdoor setting! Although attitude is of the utmost importance in any emergency situation, knowing the proper precautions, steps and skills will ensure your students are prepared for any adventure. Choose one or a variety of: fire building, shelter building, navigation/orienteering, knot tying, edible plants, camouflage and outdoor cooking.

Orienteering

An introduction to the sport of Orienteering! Students will learn how a compass works, how angles and degrees have real world applications, and practice their mental math skills through play, inquiry, problem solving and estimating. Who knew math could be so fun?!?

Cross country skiing

Our sessions begin with a ski lesson where students will learn how to start, stop, and assent/descend small hills. Once students feel comfortable moving about with their skis and poles we will hit of the trails in your community. Columbia Outdoor School can provide equipment rentals if needed.

broomball

A wacky Canadian game played on the ice! A lot like hockey, but no skates are required. The goal: Get as many shots on net with a small rubber ball using brooms instead of a hockey stick.

CUSTOM PROGRAMS:

We are also open to custom-to-you programming. Have a unit you would like to take outside for the day? Need help connecting your lessons to your place or community? Contact us to discuss what your options are and we would be happy to help you create and lead an outdoor, inquiry-based lesson tailored to what you’re already teaching (or are about to teach) in the classroom!

Details & How To Book

Grades: Kindergarten to Grade 9. See recommended grade level next to program titles.

Program Cost:

1.5 Hours at your school, inside or outside your classroom - $130 per class.

Half day field study - $175 per class.

Full day field study - $300 per class.

Dates: Year round programming. Program availability may depend on the season.

Location: Anywhere in the Columbia Basin. Our educator will meet you on location and provide programming and equipment.

Time: Programming can be tailored to your class schedule, preferably sticking to a 2-4 hour session.

How to Book: Contact us at 250-426-3676 or info@ColumbiaOutdoorSchool.com.

What to Bring:

• Enough parent chaperones to supervise class size. Recommended ratios 1 adult per 5 students (grades K-3), 1 adult per 8 students for grades 4 and up.

• Water bottle.

• Litter free snacks and/or lunch.

• Warm, waterproof footwear.

• Be prepared for weather (sunscreen, hats, rain jackets, layers, warm coats, hats, extra socks, mittens, etc.)

• Sit upons if you have them and would like to bring them.

• Pencils.