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 sponsorships between $2000 and $2500 per school or youth group from the Kootenay’s this fall. The sponsorships will be available for two months starting in September, or until the funding runs out.

We are offering all of our outdoor education theme packages for an All- Inclusive 2 night stay at Blue Lake Camp.

Our fall All- Inclusive Sessions will be offered at Blue Lake Camp Monday to Wednesday, or Wednesday to Friday, or Friday to Sunday for community youth group programs.

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 night 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

Eligibility

This funding is for local schools located in the Kootenay’s for the fall of 2024. A deposit is required at the time of booking, the sponsorship will be removed from your final invoice. Maximum of one sponsorship per school.

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