Outdoor Education
Learning About the Creator Through His Creation
The Value of Outdoor Education
Much can be learned from textbooks, but the complexities and nuances of nature can best be experienced firsthand. Outdoor Education at Forest Springs provides students an opportunity to explore God's creation and learn through a multitude of hands-on experiences facilitated by passionate and knowledgeable staff.
Here's what one teacher had to say about the value of outdoor education:
"The outdoor education classes teach students what can’t be taught in the classroom setting. Students may hear their teachers talk and lecture about the Bible or about the Christian life at school and quickly forget what they have learned. But at camp students can engage in a memorable and fun activity that relates to their spiritual lives, providing lessons students won’t soon forget."
- Shelly Strand, Middle School Teacher, Life Academy, Bloomington, MN
What Does Outdoor Education at Forest Springs Offer?
- A Bible-based educational program in a unique camp setting.
- Flexibility in program and scheduling to fit your needs.
- Instruction by Christian staff committed to teaching nature and life principles from God’s perspective.
- The experience of moving the classroom outdoors generates curiosity and motivation for learning.
- Total involvement in a group living situation, which lends itself to building relationships between students, teachers, and God.
- An educational and spiritual highlight for the entire year.
A Variety of Class Options
Forest Springs' Outdoor Education Program offers many hands-on classes that cater to students of all ages.
The following provides you with the class options that our staff can provide for your outdoor education program. We invite you to look at the downloadable list and choose topics that fit your curriculum, the season, and your students' age.
We also invite you to plan and lead some of your own sessions and activities during your retreat. Our classes will be conducted outdoors most of the time and the emphasis will be on observing, investigating, and giving hands-on experience in the natural world created by God.
A Dedicated Staff
Forest Springs' Outdoor Education staff is passionate about pointing young people to the Creator through His creation.
The team is led by Joanna Tan, Forest Springs' Nature Education Specialist. Joanna teaches several outdoor education classes and works with other instructors, helping them prepare for their classes.
The Outdoor Education team is comprised of camp staff, students enrolled in the Forest Springs' Leadership Training and Development (LTD) Program, and qualified volunteers.
Joanna Tan
- Nature Education Specialist
- B.S. in Natural Sciences from the University of Massachusetts - Amherst
- Joanna joined the Forest Springs staff in May 2018
Daily Schedule
Our staff is eager to plan an outdoor education schedule that will best meet your group's needs and objectives. We can offer day options, or create a multi-day program that includes a variety of classes, activities, and free time options.
A sample schedule is as follows:
8:00 – Breakfast
9:00 – Group Devotions
9:30 – Outdoor Education Classes
12:00 – Lunch
1:00 – Outdoor Education Classes
3:30 – Free Time Options: waterfront, game room, recreation field, archery, tennis, air rifles, Lodge Cafe, and Gift Shop (options will vary based on the season/weather)
5:00 – Supper
6:00 – Group Recreation or School Program
7:30 – Break (Stores Areas Open)
8:15 – Night Hike, “Wolf Pack”, or School Program
School groups are expected to provide adult chaperones at a ratio of one adult to seven campers. As a Christian ministry, Forest Springs reserves the right to have a part in the spiritual ministry of each school group. This may be a morning devotional or an evening sharing time led by a camp staff member.
