Trustee Seminar June 10, 2014 Outdoor School Parent Overview Date:

From NVOS to Cheakamus Centre…the 45 year-long journey continues New Name and Visual Identity (2013) Still owned and directed by SD 44 Outdoor School is flagship program New K-12 Programs being developed/offered Partnership with Listel

Program Instructional Methodology To create an emotional tie between students and the natural world. Support and enhance the exploration of the nature through the use of specialized tools and equipment To teach lessons in a real setting; an environment where all senses can collect information.

What is Outdoor School (ODS)? ODS is the core educational program for primary and intermediate students Offered on the 165 ha environmental learning centre in Paradise Valley The SD44 facility includes: – Functioning fish hatchery with 12kms of salmon spawning habitat – Animal farm and food gardens – Coast Salish Bighouse – 3 types of forest – canoe pond – cooperative challenges area & more!

Where is Outdoor School and the Cheakamus Centre site? Approximately 1 hour north of Horseshoe Bay On the banks of the Cheakamus River in Paradise Valley In an environmentally diverse area with old and second growth forests, including trees almost 1000 years old A 15 minute drive from the town of Squamish

Why go to Outdoor School? It is a place where students come to do, see, and experience things Students develop an understanding of human impacts on the environment It provides an opportunity for students to build confidence, independence and a greater sense of community

Who are the People of Outdoor School? Administrators and teachers (Steelhead, Coho, Cedar, Lynx) Program Staff (Wren, Lupine, Fern, Scruffy, Alder) Kitchen Staff (Chef and crew) Maintenance and Operations (Carl, Jason and Steven)

Who are Counselors at Outdoor School? Counselors provide a very important role at ODS Provide supervision, instruction, and leadership Mentor and support younger students They’re volunteer high school, college, or university students 1 st complete a counselor training program

ODS Cabins.. Heated and sleep students Equipped with bunkbeds and separate rooms Have toilets + showers Rustic!

Special Responsibilities setting up the dining hall for meals bringing food from the kitchen to the table and serving cleaning up after meals feeding and caring for farm animals Composting waste

Environmental Learning Centre State of the Art Design Professional Kitchen Staff Dining areas, classrooms, and meeting room Undercover gathering/learning spaces

From the kitchen… three kid-friendly nutritious meals and two snacks are served per day which are eaten in the dining hall Chef provides for special diets meals are run by Program Support Specialists and supported by teachers and ODS staff

Field Studies Facilitated outside utilizing the 165 hectare ecological reserve Led by ODS teachers and visiting teachers The focus of the studies are determined by the Outdoor School teachers and visiting staff, and the seasons

Salmon/Aquatics Field Study

Pond Field Study

Forest Field Study

Farm Field Study

Wildlife/Habitat Field Study

Special Programming Each day students participate in special interest activities under the supervision of the Special Programs Coordinator and led by the counsellors

Canoeing

Archery

Caving

Cooperative Challenges

In the evening… Teacher time Counselor-led activities Sensory walk Dance Night Skits/performances Campfire songs

Sensory Walk

Dancing

Skits and Performances

Campfire Songs

Lights Out Counselors and Cheakamus staff support students at bedtime on the first night, and both nights for primary grade visits, counsellors remain in the cabins subsequent nights (intermediate grade visits of more than two nights) counsellors have a one hour break from 10:00 to 11:00 pm and pairs do ‘Night Watch’ with resident staff supervision

The Outdoor School experience can provide students with: Opportunities to ‘see’, appreciate and respect their environment Opportunities to understand how natural systems are connected Opportunities to foster confidence, independence and community Lasting memories

Questions?