Adventures in Teaching: Outdoor School

As a sixth grade teacher in my school district, I am responsible for taking my students to Outdoor School for a few days every year. Prior to working in the district, I had never even heard of Outdoor School, or "Sixth Grade Camp." Today I completed my fourth experience as a teacher at Outdoor School. This year, we attended from Tuesday - Friday. (Yes! Teachers sleep in cabins just like the students!) Sixth graders get the opportunity to learn about ecology, geology, conservation and other sixth grade science standards in 'real-world' applications. It also provides the students with a variety of opportunities for growth in respect, self-reliance, hard-work and perseverance. It is a very challenging, exhausting, and rewarding experience. The best part --- this becomes your classroom for four days, twelve hours a day!