Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education Instructor Training: Preparing Leaders for Life-Changing Adventures
Camp Ondessonk stands as a beacon of outdoor education in the heart of the Shawnee National Forest. With more than 983 acres of natural beauty—complete with towering sandstone bluffs, dense oak and hickory forests, and ancient Native American sites—Ondessonk offers an unparalleled setting for youth and school groups to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.
Camp Ondessonk isn’t just about exploring the great outdoors; it’s about empowering the next generation of leaders. Each year, Camp hosts a rigorous and immersive training program for Outdoor Education Instructors, ensuring they are well-prepared to guide, educate, and inspire campers throughout the year. Here’s an inside look at what this comprehensive training program entails.
The Outdoor Education Training Program: A Glimpse into the Schedule
The Fall 2024 Outdoor Education Training at Camp Ondessonk is an intensive multi-week program designed to equip instructors with the skills, knowledge, and confidence they need to facilitate outdoor education experiences. From mastering High-Challenge Courses to leading reflective Nature Hikes, instructors are trained in various areas to ensure they can provide safe, educational, and transformative experiences for campers of all ages.
1. Foundational Training
The program begins with a focus on policies, paperwork, and team building. Instructors are introduced to Camp’s mission, job expectations, and essential procedures, such as incident reporting and mandated reporting protocols. This foundational training ensures that all instructors are on the same page and prepared for the responsibilities ahead.
2. Outdoor Skills and Environmental Education
Throughout the training, instructors participate in various workshops covering essential outdoor skills. They learn to navigate trails, assess risks, and manage groups in different environments, from dense forests to open water. Environmental education is a key component, with instructors developing and delivering lesson plans on cultural history, orienteering, and ecology. These lessons are designed to be engaging and interactive, helping campers connect meaningfully with the natural world.
3. High Challenge Course Training
One of the training highlights is the High Challenge Course, where instructors learn to facilitate activities like the Giant Swing, Flying Squirrel, and Zip-Lining. This portion of the program includes detailed instruction on safety procedures, gear management, and rescue techniques, ensuring that instructors can confidently lead campers through these thrilling experiences.
4. Facilitation and Leadership Development
In addition to outdoor skills, the training program emphasizes facilitation and leadership development. Instructors engage in discussions on group dynamics, the experiential education cycle, and growth mindset strategies. They also participate in hands-on training for Archery, Boating, and Woodcraft, which they will later teach campers.
5. Specialized Training and Final Assessments
The program concludes with specialized training sessions, such as Wrangler Training for those working with horses, and final assessments to evaluate each instructor’s readiness. This training includes written exams and practical skills assessments on the High Challenge Course, ensuring instructors have the competence and confidence to lead groups effectively.
The Impact of Outdoor Education
Thomas Bawden, senior program director of outdoor education at YMCA Camp Copneconic, emphasizes the importance of outdoor education, stating, “With proven positive impacts of spending time outdoors, it is undeniable that increasing children’s engagement with their natural world should be a priority. Camps are uniquely poised to provide children with a high-quality, engaging experience outdoors that will equip them with the skills, mindset, and passion to continue their natural exploration when they leave camp property.”
At Camp Ondessonk, this philosophy is at the heart of the Outdoor Education Instructor Training Program. Instructors are trained to lead activities and mentored to become role models who inspire a lifelong appreciation for nature in every camper they meet.
Ready to Join the Adventure?
For those passionate about the outdoors and eager to make a difference, becoming an Outdoor Education Instructor at Camp Ondessonk is more than just a job – it’s an opportunity to change lives. Whether you’re leading a group of sixth graders on an environmental hike or guiding a high school retreat, the experiences you’ll facilitate can have a lasting impact on young minds.
Camp Ondessonk advises groups and individuals to make reservations several months in advance, especially for popular dates in April, May, September, and October. For more information, call (618) 695-2489 or email camp@ondessonk.com.
Camp Ondessonk is more than just a place; it’s a community of educators, leaders, and nature enthusiasts who are committed to fostering a deep connection between youth and the natural world. Click here to learn more about Camp Ondessonk’ Outdoor Education Programs.