1. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” 2010

2. Outdoor Education in Montgomery County “ Nothing is real until it is experienced” “Providing opportunities for all students in Montgomery County to engage in authentic learning outside of the four walls of the classroom”

3. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Overview What is outdoor education ? What will I be doing when I’m there? What will I see when I’m there ?

4. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” When you hear Outdoor Education, what do you think of ? Campfires, games and singing Kids sharing meals, doing k-p, crafts, etc. Kids having fun Recreational activities

5. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

6. It’s a fun way to learn in the out of doors... …you may not realize how much you’re learning!

7. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Residential Outdoor Education You will be staying at one of three sites for 3 days and two nights. You will be participating in outdoor activities whatever the weather. Whether you go in spring, winter or fall…be prepared!

8. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

9. Instructional Activities You will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities.

10. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Watershed Study You may explore the watershed and learn your place in it. You may collect and analyze data to determine stream health.

11. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Predator/Prey You will experience predator/prey relationships You will participate in a simulation activity and collect data based on that experience You will then analyze the data to better understand the roles of animals in the food chain

12. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

13. Orienteering Working with a team, you will find orienteering poles located at various places at the outdoor education site. You may use topographic maps, compasses and maybe even GPS units to navigate.

14. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

15. Forest Community You will become aware of what a forest is and learn about why forests are important to us. During forest exploration you might study unique trees, identify trees, explore leaf and soil samples.

16. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Wildlife You will be involved in a series of outdoor activities focusing on various aspects of the wildlife community. These might include simulation games, hikes observing evidence of wildlife, surveys, and studies of animal adaptation.

17. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

18. Weather You may collect weather data at different locations at the outdoor education site. You will use weather instruments, interpret data, and make a weather forecast that you share with your team!

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20. Local History Each site has its own unique history to be explored. Observation and small group discussion may give you a glimpse of past customs and ways of life.

21. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Confidence Course Each center has a confidence course designed to challenge you mentally and physically. All activities are designed to increase confidence and to promote teamwork.

22. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

24. Outdoor Education Preparation

25. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” What to Pack Sturdy footwear Extra pair of boots/sneakers Hat SPF/Sun Block Jacket Sweatshirts Long pants or jeans Pajamas Shirts Socks (lots!) Underwear Waterproof raincoat or poncho Sheets and blanket or sleeping bag, pillow Toiletry items First Day Bag Lunch (no glass bottles)

26. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” What You Might Pack Shorts for rec time Binoculars Disposable (recycling) camera Compass Flashlight Lip balm Insect repellant (non- aerosol) Slippers Shower cap Flip-flops or sandals for shower use Stationary and stamps Pen or pencil Watch

27. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” What NOT to Pack Electronic devices- Cell phones, IPODS, handheld game systems. Aerosol Sprays Firearms Knives Hair dryers/curling irons Matches Money Glass bottles Gum, candy, or food

28. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Forms you need to make sure your parents have filled out and signed!!! Permission Medical Be sure to bring these to school as soon as they are completed!

29. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Outdoor Education at the Smith Center

30. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

31. There are 8 cabins. Twenty people can sleep in each cabin. CABINS

32. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Inside Your Cabin Classroom Bunks

33. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Bathrooms Running water, flush toilets, private showers!

34. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Dining Hall Eight people at each table, everyone gets to be a KP. Will you win the Silver Spoon Award?

35. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

36. The Smith Center has a planetarium where you will study the stars!

37. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” The Nurse’s Office Just like at school!

38. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

39. You will study… Astronomy Ecology Geology Exploring the environment with technology (GPS) Patterns of Settlement (Social Studies – Unit 1) Or any other topic that your teachers have planned for you.

40. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” First day Schedule 9:30 AM Leave Sligo 10:00 AM Hike In 10:30 – 12:00 PM Orientation to Smith Center 12:00 – 12:30 PM Lunch 12:30 – 1:00 PM Cabin Info Cabin Setup 1:30 – 4:00 PM Instructional Groups 4:00 – 4:45 PM Recreation Time 5:00 – 6:00 PM Dinner 6:00 – 9:30 PM Evening Activities 10:15 PM Lights Out

41. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

42. Second day schedule 7:00 AM Rise and Shine 8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast 9:00 – 9:20 AM Clean cabins 9:30 – 12:30 PM Instructional Groups 12:00 – 12:45 PM Lunch 1:30 – 4:00 PM Instructional Groups 4:00 – 4:45 PM Recreation 5:00 – 6:00 PM Dinner 6:00 – 8:00 PM SSL Activities 8:00 – 10:30 PM Evening Activities 11:00 Lights Out

43. “Nothing is real until it is experienced”

44. Third Day Schedule 7:00 – 8:00 AM Rise and Shine 8:00 – 8:45 AM Breakfast 9:00 – 9:20 AM Clean cabins 9:30 – 11:00 AM Instructional Groups 11:00 - 11:30 AM Lunch 11:30 – 12:30 PM Thank you’s 12:30 Load Buses to return to Sligo. 1:00 PM Parents Must Make Arrangements to have Students Picked Up Promptly at 1:00pm.

45. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” FAQ’s from parents How much does it cost ? What happens if my child get sick or hurt? How can I help? When does my child go to Outdoor Ed? Any other questions?

46. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” Are there any questions?

47. “Nothing is real until it is experienced” “Americans have long thought that nature could take care of itself-or that, if it did not, the consequences were someone else’s problem. As we know now, that assumption was wrong, none of us is a stranger to environmental problems.” -Jimmy Carter, 39th president