LEAven Blog
Outdoor Education: A Value Add to our Lutheran Schools
Many years ago, my father would take me to what he called set-up for something he called “outdoor education.” I did not truly understand it at the time. I was twelve years old. I assisted him with this setting up routine until I graduated from high school. Western New York was my home. Dad was a physical education teacher in a K-5 public school, and for most of his career this unique curriculum item called outdoor education became a mainstay for the children he served. His request to his principal to start outdoor education at the time was a unique and innovative one — a program where he took his students to camps to teach them outdoor skills and to hold classes in an environmental setting.
I grew to love those times with Dad, as he taught me the same things he would teach his students: trout fishing, foraging for wild edibles, fire-making, camping set-ups, knot-tying, how to use a compass, and so much more. His methodology within our time together included creating this strong bond — him with me — one based on spending time outside and having a blast together. I could not get enough of this! He shared with me so many biblical creation connections – ones that he could not use with his public school students when he was with them –, but of course, he did with me, his son.
“The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of His hands.” Psalm 19:1.
The above Psalm verse is our theme at my current school, for our outdoor education program each year. It just fits so beautifully into the philosophy of spending time in creation, learning and growing in faith together. Almost every year in my time in Lutheran school education, I have either started, supported, or participated in outdoor education programs. It is a dynamic, value-add program that every school can create and lead. It is a difference-maker, one that can create memories and bonds that can last a lifetime.
We take our 6th and 7th grade classes at the same time (about 45 students), add several of our own staff members, and lots of parent chaperones. We travel to our local Lutheran camp. It has been a 3-day program. Almost to a person, at graduation, outdoor education is mentioned as one of the most cherished memories for our children. But why? This year’s programming may help with an explanation.
- We call in owls-Both nights in we were successful, the first a screech owl came in; the second a barred owl. To be able to see them up close is nothing more than a treat, and a memorable one at that.
- How to fish-This year about 60% of our students had never experienced fishing before. The screams of delight when they landed one, and the photos we snapped became priceless.
- Sparking parties-Just a weird little event. When one takes wintergreen Lifesavers and pops them in their mouth in a very dark place, and then chomps down hard, sparks appear! We team up two students, count to three, and again…pure delight as they watch the sparks appear in each’s mouths (and the aroma of wintergreen all around is quite pleasant, too 😊).
- Whittling? Sure-Lots of safety is in place here like heavy duty gloves, lap mats to protect legs, and very, very important safety rules. But every student was able to craft a loblolly pine cane or walking stick. Creativity ruled!
- Team-Building-Climbing a steep wall was a challenge where classmates cheered on their peers. Some anxiety was apparent with such an arduous task, but again…there was cheering on from all fronts!
- Faith classes-There is no better place than to read Scripture, share prayer, have campfire devotions, morning and evening faith class time, and even fun mealtime prayers.
- Journaling-What a significant part of OE. All students wrote daily in their journals as the last activity of each day, including the last day, before heading back to our Zion campus. Some real excerpts from students:
- From Jane- “I don’t need my phone to be happy.”
- From Bradley- When asked to reflect on Psalm 139, vv. 13-14 (“For You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works; my soul knows it very well.”) “This is my favorite Bible verse because I am built different.” Bradley has MS.
- From Don- My favorite activity was whittling because it was nice to sit there and create something and try something new!”
- From several students in the 7th grade- When asked for a highlight of the day: “When we all ran out to greet Mary!” (She had had to stay home due to illness. Her dad brought her later without anyone knowing she would come. When her classmates saw her approaching, they all ran to her screaming with joy to welcome her! It was an emotional moment, as Mary was brand new to our school and quite shy.)
- Brandy- Also a brand new student, she wrote “My life is in Christ.” This is significant because when she came to Zion, her family was not one who professed Christ as Savior.
Adding value
God gives us opportunities to celebrate in so many ways in our lives. In Lutheran education, moments like outdoor education can be out of the box, extraordinary, and a bonding experience. There is much hard work, organization, time, and effort involved, but it pays off in all the ways mentioned above, and more. May God continue to bless us as we stive to create faith-filled experiences that have very practical applications in our faith lives.
