Adventure Awaits
outdoor
education
Our Outdoor Education program is a two-day adventure designed specifically for all sixth graders in our school district, including students from Westmont and Springfield Elementary Schools.
What is Outdoor Education?
LOCATION
YMCA Camp Kitaki
14917 E Park Hwy, Louisville, NE 68037
PARTICIPANTS
6th Graders from Westmont and Springfield Elementary Schools
COUNSELORS
Platteview High School Juniors and Seniors, SPCS Staff, and Sponsors
FUNDING PROVIDED BY
Westmont and Springfield PTO pays from both schools for each student to attend
Introduction to Outdoor Education
The Outdoor Education program at our school district offers students a unique opportunity to engage in experiential learning outside the traditional classroom setting. Designed for all sixth-grade students across Westmont and Springfield Elementary Schools, this two-day adventure aims to promote physical fitness, teach valuable life skills, and foster a deeper connection with the natural world. The program is held annually at Camp Kitaki, typically in mid-April, and is facilitated by a team of dedicated educators and camp counselors, including sixth-grade and seventh-grade teachers, as well as high school juniors and seniors who serve as camp counselors.
Promoting Environmental Awareness
One of the core goals of Outdoor Education is to promote environmental awareness. During the program, students gain hands-on experience in understanding natural resources and ecosystems by immersing themselves in the outdoors. By spending two days and one night at Camp Kitaki, students have the chance to experience nature firsthand, developing a deeper appreciation for the environment and learning important lessons about environmental stewardship. Sessions such as canoeing, ziplining, rock climbing (Tango Tower), and archery allow students to engage in exciting outdoor activities while developing practical skills, including navigation and survival techniques.
Building Connections and Easing Transitions
Another important aspect of the Outdoor Education program is its role in helping students build meaningful connections. Transitioning from two elementary schools to junior high can be a significant adjustment for many students. The program provides an opportunity for students from both Westmont and Springfield Elementary Schools to come together, form new friendships, and interact with staff members from the junior high. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and collaboration, easing the transition into the next phase of their educational journey. The relationships formed during these outdoor adventures often extend beyond the program, with some lasting through college and beyond.
Engaging Activities and Hands-On Learning
In addition to outdoor activities, students participate in sessions led by their teachers, including team-building exercises, star lab explorations, art projects, owl pellet dissection, and a scavenger hunt hike. Wildlife Encounters also provides smaller animal interaction sessions, allowing students to engage with wildlife in an educational setting. Through these hands-on experiences, students develop resilience, teamwork, problem-solving skills, and self-awareness. The Outdoor Education program fosters holistic development, helping students build both their academic and personal growth as they prepare for future challenges.
