2015 Outdoor School Wrap-Up
This year, The Environmental Center team served 1,190 students from the Bend LaPine, Redmond and Culver districts.
Due to road construction early in the season, teachers and Parks and Recreation staff graciously reorganized so that we could deliver this year’s Outdoor School primarily at Fremont Meadow in Shevlin Park. This provided a rich location where students participated in learning activities and discovery experiences for riparian, aquatic and forest habitats, providing diverse native plants and areas for students to enjoy hands-on studies.
- Alyce Pearce
We thank Alyce Pearce, Outdoor School Coordinator, for the impact she made on the program this year. An outdoor educator, program coordinator, former teacher and freelance writer, Alyce was raised In Upstate New York with a passionate reverence for nature and ecology. This summer, she worked with Environmental Center staff, interns and educators across the district to optimize the Outdoor School’s lesson content and activities, while doing what she loves most: instilling wonder and a love of nature in children of all ages.
We also thank our volunteers and interns who made the programs possible:
Bip Nelson has a Masters in Environmental Education and years of experience giving students unforgettable outdoor experiences through his creation of magical moments, natural wonder and curiosity.
Nicole Test, a mainstay intern for this year’s program, is a graduating COCC outdoor experiential ed grad and consummate adventurer who brings contagious energy and laughter to every student, and a high degree of professionalism and enthusiasm to the program. Say hi to her before she sets her course for Chile!
Our volunteer Christina Albert quickly became an invaluable part of program. Christina jumped right in with joyful reverence for nature and a high level of knowledge and experience that was a treat to the students and staff!
- AmeriCorps NCCC members and Nicole Test.
Intern Kayla Ashby, a soon-to-be OSU Education Program graduate, also helps with The Children’s Forest Discover Nature Days and Riverkeepers, and brought her strong lesson planning skills to the program to create preliminary pre and post assessment activities for the classroom.
We also enjoyed the collaboration with COCC’s Outdoor Experiential Education students, who helped organize and facilitate the group experiential learning games. THANK YOU to all of the interns and volunteers for their selfless contributions and energy that made it a great year!