Why Schools Should Prioritize Field Trips to Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education Program
In a world increasingly dominated by screens and indoor learning, the need for outdoor education has never been more vital. Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education Program offers schools an immersive, experiential opportunity to engage students in nature-based education that enriches academic learning, nurtures well-being, and fosters environmental stewardship.
The Power of Outdoor Learning at Camp Ondessonk
Reconnecting Students with Nature
Children today spend less time outdoors than any previous generation, a phenomenon that author Richard Louv famously coined as “nature-deficit disorder” in his seminal book Last Child in the Woods. Louv argues that exposure to natural settings is essential for healthy physical and emotional development (Louv, 2005). Camp Ondessonk’s outdoor classroom combats this deficit with programming that promotes exploration, observation, and hands-on learning in the Shawnee National Forest.
A Proven Approach to Academic Success
The outdoor learning model is not just about fresh air and sunshine—it is a powerful educational strategy. According to an American Institutes for Research report, students participating in environmental education programs show significant gains in science, math, and language arts (AIR, 2005). Camp Ondessonk creates curriculum-aligned experiences that complement classroom instruction, deepening students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Why Educators Choose Camp Ondessonk
A Premier Forest School Experience
As a forest school grounded in experiential education, Camp Ondessonk offers rich opportunities for students to learn through direct interaction with the natural world. Activities such as guided hikes, aquatic ecology, wildlife tracking, and wilderness survival foster a deep connection to nature. These programs adhere to the forest school principles of child-led exploration, risk-taking, and holistic development, which have been proven to enhance resilience, communication skills, and social development (Forest School Association, 2021).
Customizable Outdoor Education Programs
Camp Ondessonk collaborates with educators to create customized programs that align with learning objectives and individual student needs. Whether focusing on team building, environmental science, or leadership development, each visit is grounded in evidence-based environmental education practices that align with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
The Long-Term Benefits of Nature-Based Education
Boosting Mental Health and Well-Being
Time spent in nature has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and symptoms of ADHD in school-aged children (Children & Nature Network, 2016). Students participating in nature-based education programs, such as Camp Ondessonk, often return to school more focused, confident, and engaged.
Fostering Environmental Stewardship
Camp Ondessonk instills in students a sense of responsibility and respect for the natural world. Through hands-on outdoor learning, students gain an understanding of ecological principles and develop a lasting conservation mindset.
Book a Field Trip That Makes a Difference
When schools invest in field trips to Camp Ondessonk’s Outdoor Education Program, they are choosing more than a day outside—they are choosing a powerful, research-backed experience that supports academic success, emotional health, and lifelong environmental awareness. Educators seeking to bring the benefits of the outdoor classroom to their students will find a dedicated partner in Camp Ondessonk.
Click here to plan your visit today and transform the way your students learn and grow.
References:
- Louv, R. (2005). Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder. Algonquin Books.
- American Institutes for Research. (2005). Effects of Outdoor Education Programs for Children in California.
- Children & Nature Network. (2016). Nature Can Improve Mental Health for Children.
- Forest School Association. (2021). What is Forest School? Retrieved from https://www.forestschoolassociation.org/what-is-forest-school/
