Learning outside isn’t just fun, it also helps students feel connected to the world around them.
Outdoor education allows students to learn more about nature and community, which gives them a special sense of place. Playing and learning outdoors helps children grow in so many ways. Here are some amazing things that happen when you learn outdoors:
- You feel more confident and independent
- Your creativity and problem-solving skills get a big boost
- You learn to understand and care for others
- Your motor skills and self-discipline improve
- You become more curious and take more initiative
At Camp Kiwanis, students had the opportunity to showcase these skills. They had a blast exploring the forest, experiencing the wilderness, and singing songs by the campfire. Students enjoyed quality time with friends and gained a sense of independence. Students not only helped set up the dining hall for their peers and teachers but also got a crash course on food waste. They worked hard to cut down on their own waste during the trip.
Activities also included studying Indigenous trees native to Kananaskis and Alberta. Students used maps to find clues around the camp, uncovering a hidden message, and built various types of shelters in the forest with friends. They also tried their hands at archery, went on nature walks, and explored living systems and food cycles through games. In the evening, students learned about constellations and planetary science, and even managed to spot a shooting star before bed. That makes for some fantastic outdoor learning!
