Outdoor Education Subsidies

outdoor education subsidies pilot program

a big thank you to the rick and marg jensen foundation. they have generously provided columbia outdoor school WITH a donation of $10,000.00 to help to remove barriers to participation in outdoor education for schools.

Columbia Outdoor School is offering a Pilot School Subsidy Program for the fall school semester of 2023. The Pilot will run for two months starting in September. If this program is successful and we are able to provide future funding we intend to carry it out for future months.

We are offering our regular outdoor education theme packages for an All- Inclusive 2.5 Day Stay at Blue Lake or a 1.5 day experience where we come to your school for the months of September and October.

Our fall All- Inclusive Sessions will be offered at Blue Lake Camp Monday to Wednesday, or Wednesday to Friday. Our session where we will come to you will be offered Monday after lunch hour and all day Tuesday or Thursday after lunch hour and all day Friday.

Program Theme Options

Chose one of the following:

1) Community Building - Recommended for Grade 5+
Students engage in team-building challenges and community-building initiatives. These programs foster communication, collaboration, and leadership among groups while promoting decision-making and critical-thinking skills. The exciting choice-based activities encourage participants to develop trust and teamwork with their peers, pushing themselves in new ways. The Community Building package is a great option for your students to break the ice, build relationships and set the tone for your new school year.

2) Rec 4 Life (Program options may be limited in town depending on location.)
Blue Lake offers a safe and controlled environment for learning recreational skills on land and water. The programs provide varying levels of challenge to participants, aiming to instill confidence and a lifelong passion for outdoor recreation.

3) Survival
Students will develop critical thinking skills necessary for survival situations. They will learn responsible use of natural materials in "stick-ey" situations. Through this experience, students will gain an appreciation for the wilderness and acquire knowledge on how to effectively prepare and respond in unexpected circumstances.

4) Environmental Science
Students will engage in enjoyable, meaningful, and collaborative learning experiences to explore the Blue Lake forest ecosystem. Through these experiences, they will develop a deeper connection with the natural world. Students will also gain a greater understanding of the local forest ecology and the crucial relationships that exist between the living and non-living components of the ecosystem.

5) The Amazing STEM Race
Since the beginning of time, humankind has been in a battle of man vs. machine. Students will embark on a race, completing STEM challenges along the way. This epic race requires innovation, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills (and a healthy amount of competition).

Teachers or School staff will need to book their dates as soon as possible to hold their spots. We will require a 25% non-refundable, non-transferable deposit by September 8th, 2023 to secure your booking. The final payment amount will be due following your booking. The Rick and Marg Jensen subsidy will be applied at the time of your final invoice.

Food allergies/ dietary restrictions (for camp bookings) as well as final numbers for all programs must be communicated to us by September 8th, 2023 to ensure all of your programs needs can be met.

For more information about the All- Inclusive Package CLICK HERE

Rates for September and October

All-Inclusive, 2.5 day stay at Blue Lake Camp (minimum 20-person booking, maximum 60 Students):
(Monday through Wednesday OR Wednesday through Friday)

• The regular cost for 50 students or less is $202.50 per student (and $172.50 per teacher/chaperone)

• The regular cost for 51 students or more is $197.50 per student (and $167.50 per teacher/chaperone)
  
  School’s bringing 50 students or less will receive a subsidy of $2,000.00
  School’s bringing 51 students or more will receive a subsidy of $2,500.00

Two-Day Program- We come to you! (minimum 20-person booking, maximum 60)
(Monday through Tuesday OR Thursday through Friday)

• The regular cost for 50 students or less is $55 per student
  (two day total, no charge for teachers)

• The regular cost for 51 students or more is $50 per student
  (two day total, no charge for teachers)

  Note: travel accommodation costs may need to be added on depending on your location.

  Schools booking 50 students or less will receive a subsidy of $1,000.00
  Schools booking 51 students or more will receive a subsidy of $1,500.00
  
  Community Booking Schedule at a Glance:
  Day One: One program Block in the Afternoon
  Day Two: One Program Block in the Morning, and One in the Afternoon

Eligibility

This funding is for local schools located in the East Kootenay’s only.

In return for the subsidy, we ask that the participating classes Think Outside of their classroom walls and organize a community event or program that showcases their leadership and/or stewardship skills that they worked on while at camp. Some examples of community projects could be:
Elementary School:

1. Recycling Awareness Campaign: Students can create posters, presentations, or skits to educate their classmates and school community about the importance of recycling and proper waste management.

2. School Garden: Students can plan, plant, and maintain a garden within the school premises, learning about gardening, sustainability, and the benefits of locally grown produce.

3. Nature Clean-Up: Organize a community clean-up event where students pick up litter and debris in local parks or natural areas, promoting cleanliness and environmental responsibility.

Middle School:

1. Energy Conservation Campaign: Students can raise awareness about energy conservation by organizing events, conducting energy audits, and implementing energy-saving initiatives within their school.

2. E-Waste Recycling Drive: Organize a collection drive for electronic waste, encouraging proper disposal and recycling of old electronic devices to prevent harmful materials from entering landfills.

3. Environmental Education Workshops: Plan and deliver interactive workshops for younger students to teach them about environmental issues, and sustainable practices.

High School:

1. Community Tree Planting: Collaborate with local organizations or government bodies to organize tree-planting initiatives in parks, schools, or community spaces to promote reforestation and combat climate change.

2. Environmental Advocacy: Engage in advocacy work by organizing awareness campaigns, writing articles, or lobbying local authorities for environmental policies, such as reducing plastic usage or implementing renewable energy initiatives.

3. Sustainability Fair: Host a sustainability fair where students showcase environmentally friendly projects, initiatives, and innovations to inspire the community and foster a culture of sustainability.

Remember, these are just a few examples, and students can always explore other projects based on their specific interests, community needs, and available resources.

Once complete, you will e-mail us photos as well as a short write-up about the impact your project has had on your community. If you’d like our support please do not hesitate to reach out!

For more information or to book your class please contact us at: info@columbiaoutdoorschool.com or by phone 250-426-3676