Outdoor School (ODS) is an environmental school program for sixth-grade students that focus on studying and experiencing different local ecosystems, climates and cultures. It gives students a chance to experience camping and a life without electronic gadgets for three days.
Edutopia shared some of the benefits of Outdoor School. Being aware of these benefits might help you encourage your kids to try Outdoor School and to learn new knowledge and skills away from a traditional school setting.
#HarryGreaves. A keen outdoor enthusiast,here he is on a school DoE trek, 2001/02. L>R Simon,Harry,Adam, Lloyd,Will pic.twitter.com/YtWHVTCAeT
— St Martins School (@StMSNews) April 20, 2016
1. Building Community
One of the best benefits of Outdoor School is it helps students to appreciate the value of community. This can help them develop their communication, socialization, cooperation and leadership skills. It is also very common for students who joined Outdoor School to gain new close friends during the program.
2. Gaining Practical Knowledge And Skills
During the Outdoor School program, kids will have to prepare their own meals, wash the dishes, clean their living quarters and perform service projects for the chosen site. "And they do all of this while immersed in a field-science program that asks them to be multidisciplinary scientists drawing on prior knowledge to interact with a variety of environments, weather, and physical challenges of a mountain environment," Edutopia explains.
3. Appreciation And Understanding Of Nature
Most kids' idea of fun is spending time inside the house while playing with their electronic gadgets. One of the best benefits of Outdoor School is the chance to help kids get a better understanding and appreciation of nature.
Outdoor School provides students with plenty of exciting nature-based activities. "When we experience the amazing benefits our natural resources offer us, whether it is through recreation, farming, fishing, research, forestry, fresh water, clean air, or simply experiencing the kind of inspiration that only comes from being in nature, we realize that fundamental importance of caring for the systems that sustain us," Gray Family Foundation shares.
