Outdoor Education at YMCA Camp Algonquin

Archery: Learn how to safely handle a bow and arrow, and follow the range commands. Practice proper stance, knock, draw, anchor, aim, and release while you shoot several rounds of arrows. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Birding: After a discussion on the birds that frequent Northern Illinois, students will be lead in various activities to help them understand birds’ lives. Next, the will be lead to a variety of bird view areas that have been set-up around camp. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Compass and Orienteering: This is an excellent way to experience math in the out-of-doors. After students are taught how to use a compass, several games are played to reinforce the learned concepts. An orienteering course puts all students through a final test. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Creek and River Study: Using the Fox River and the Woodlands Creek, students will investigate the importance of a water ecosystem. Groundwater, water quality, biological life and physical properties are just some of the possible topics. The experience consists of on-the-creek data collection followed by microscopic examination of findings. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Digital Camera: Students will make their own piece of artwork using a digital camera. Following a lesson on camera usage, students will take the camera into the field taking a variety of pictures based on the guideline set for in the classroom. Upon return to the computer center, they will download and edit their pictures creating a collage for printing. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Digital Video: Students will become actors, videographers, producers, and editors of their own short films. Following a lesson on camera usage, students will take a digital video camera out into the field to film their own video. Once complete, they will bring their video back to the computer center where they will edit and burn their own DVD. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Forest Ecology: A forest is made up of many different items. Students will learn how plants and animals interact in a forest, the importance of soil and the forest floor, the layers that make up a forest, and many other topics; all while hiking through the Camp forest. (Class length 1.5 hours)

GPS (Global Positioning Systems): Students are taught the many uses of GPS units and how to operate a unit. Once students understand the GPS unit, they will use their GPS units to complete a scavenger hunt, with a geo-cache awaiting them at the end. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Group Dynamics: This activity is designed to promote group development through interaction and communication. Using some physical challenges, activities present a problem to be solved. It is up to the group as a whole to determine their best solution. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Natural Awareness: The natural awareness program offers ecologically based activities. All activities have either a conceptual or sensory framework. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Nature Crafts/Papermaking: Students will be given the opportunity to create their own recycled paper. After discussing recycling and reducing waste, students will be instructed on how to create paper by recycling used office paper. Students will be able to make a recycled piece of paper and a recycled envelope to bring home with them. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Pioneering: Students will take a trip back to the mid-1800 to a time when life was much simpler. During this trip students will be able to view a replica pioneer cabin, take part in daily chores (spinning and butter churning), and assist with meal preparation. They will also be given time to relax and have fun while playing various games that were popular during the 1800’s. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Pottery: Make your own pottery piece from clay. Instructions are given for making a pinch Pot, a Coil Pot, a Slab, or a Draped piece. After the pieces have been fired, you will return to Glaze your creation. (Class length varies)

Predator and Prey: This class teaches students about the food chain and defines the different types of animals in the food chain (herbivores, omnivores, carnivores). Students will learn what it is like to be an animal in the food chain by participating in a role playing activity. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Silk Screen T-Shirts: Students will create a custom design silk screen t-shirt. (Class length 1.5 hours.)

Astronomy/Starlab: Students participate in an active discussion about astronomy, learning several keys astronomical concepts. After participating in the discussion, students enter the portable planetarium where they learn basic star facts, constellation lore, and recognition. (Class length 1.5 hours)

Tie-Dye T-Shirts: Tie-Dye a t-shirt using vibrant colored dyes. Students will learn a variety of tying techniques to create a one of a kind design. (Class length 1.5 hours.)

Coming in spring 2008 - Mary E. Gardner Environmental Awareness Center

This Center will house three curriculum areas that focus on environmental awareness.

Environmental Studies: This class will center on key environmental issues. Students will have the opportunity to participant in several hands on experiments that involve topics such as recycling, global warming, and pollution.

Geological Studies: This class will focus on major geological events such as land formation, as well as, soil classification and the rock cycle.

Meteorology: This class will center on the purpose and use of several different weather instruments. Students will learn how to forecast the weather using a state of the art computerized weather station.