Environmental Education

Environmental Education (EE) is defined as “a process that allows individuals to explore environmental issues, engage in problem solving, and take action to improve the environment.” Whether it is talking about how the choices we make today affect the future for others or building shelters for survival, this is exactly what we do here at Bradford Woods. As we build connections between participants and the environment, we are teaching future generations how to foster healthy relationships and a healthy environment.

This year, we served thousands of elementary school students – mostly fifth graders – from more than 50 schools. Our curriculum is designed to use our unique 2,500-acre classroom to meet state science standards, giving students an opportunity to engage in hands-on learning.

As one of the nation’s most well-known residential outdoor environmental education centers, and with 60+ years of history behind us, we have a legacy of helping students grow. To live up to that legacy, providing our instructional staff with top-notch training is key. This year, we’ve been able to engage in specialized trainings at the IU Link Observatory, have facilitated Project WET trainings, and have partnered with Sycamore Land Trust to learn about the history of making maple syrup. We also continue to offer a USA Archery Level 1 Instructor course to sharpen our staff’s archery skills. These trainings were, and still are, an essential part to training not just good, but great Professional Outdoor Instructors.  

During the summer, the EE department partnered with the Adventure Education department to hold two weeks of Environmental Explorers Camp, serving nearly 40 campers in each session.  During these camps, campers engaged in traditional outdoor summer camp activities, including hiking up to the north end of our property for a backcountry overnight, while also learning more about the environment. We aim to expand our summer camp offerings in 2020 by exploring the potential for hosting a fly fishing camp.