We understand that our current environment presents many barriers to school outdoor education programs, but believe that experiential education can still be a critical -- and safe -- part of the school year for your students. We're ready to adapt with the times and have several options below that may work for you.
We have hosted successful outdoor programs during the COVID-19 pandemic and would love to share our experience with you.
If your school has an outdoor area – a treeline, a field, some woods, or a creek – we can come to you and facilitate an outdoor experience for your students.
Alternatively, we can also meet your teachers and students somewhere near your school – a local or county park or other outdoor destination closeby.
We are still accepting school programs at Bradford Woods! If you can come to us but an overnight stay isn't an option, bring your students for a day program.
Our expert facilitators will help your students connect both to the natural world around them, and to each other in new and meaningful ways. Our education units are built on Indiana Department of Education standards for elementary and middle school and will help bring classroom learning to life through hands-on experiences. See below for a list of available units. We can also facilitate to a number of other outcomes depending on your goals.
We want to create a meaningful experience for your students. Pricing for your experience will depend on the units selected and number of facilitators needed. We recommend one Bradford Woods facilitator works with a group of around 16 students but can work with a max of 25 students per group. We ask that teachers or chaperones are present with the groups. Contact us and we'll help build a program to suit your needs and budget.
It’s been an amazing tradition partnering with Bradford Woods year after year. Each year the kids experience something new; they walk away with new perspectives and ideas as well as being extremely exhausted. They create a memory that lasts forever and at the same time are part of a long-standing tradition... things that they never forget year after year.
Tim Weber, 6th grade teacher on a program conducted at Hamilton Heights Middle School.
Bradford Woods surpassed every high expectation we already had for our outdoor education trip. Your procedures and policies were well communicated and had everyone’s best interest in mind. The instruction was top notch across the board and was some of the best I’ve seen! Our students walked away with a better understanding and appreciation of the environment and how they impact it.
Jeremy Dunn, 5th Grade Teacher on Greenwood Christian Academy's September visit to Bradford Woods.
Listed below are a sample of the units we can bring to your school or execute at Bradford Woods. Some units will be dependent on the location – e.g. the presence of a stream, trees, etc. If you're interested in replacing curriculum units with teambuilding initiatives, high challenge activities, or other recreation options, talk to your coordinator. We also have thematic curriculum units, including Eagles to the Nest, Dirt on Dirt, and Wings of the Woods that build on each other through multiple units and typically use student journals to enhance the experience.
AQUATIC LIFE: Students explore aquatic communities by using chemical tests and collecting samples of macroinvertebrates.
COMPASS: Students will become familiar with the parts of the orienteering compass and be given instruction in its use.
DIRT ON DIRT: Students learn about soil and its importance to the woods.
INITIATIVES: Teamwork is key to much of our success. Students are challenged with problem solving activities that require the cooperation of the entire group.
INSTINCTS FOR SURVIVAL: Students participate in an animal survival game. Students assume roles of herbivores, omnivores, and carnivores. How they play out these roles determines the outcome of the game. Students gain an understanding of food chains, food webs, and other factors relating to survival and adaptation.
OUTDOOR LIVING SKILLS: Good conservation practices are necessary for minimum impact camping. Students are introduced to the basic requirements for selection of a good campsite, basic equipment needs, fire building techniques, shelter building techniques, and leave-no-trace ethics.
TREES: Through examination of trees, both living and dead, students develop an understanding of the tree life cycle. Identification keys, close observation and sensory awareness activities aid in the student’s recognition of several trees common to Indiana.
WETLANDS: Learn about different types of wetlands, the important role of wetlands in the environment, as well as the plants and animals that make their home in wetland areas. Discover how Bradford Woods uses a wetland system to treat its waste water.
WILDFLOWERS (SEASONAL): This module emphasizes observation, identification, function, and appreciation of wildflowers.
WILDLIFE IN THE WOODS: Big, small, furry, and scaly: they come in all shapes and sizes! Students will increase their awareness of the natural environment as they observe animal homes and signs.
WINGS OF THE WOODS: What makes a bird a bird? Students are introduced to bird adaptations and bird identification as they investigate a variety of bird habitats. Students will identify common local birds by using field observation techniques and proper use of binoculars and field guides.
ATL ATL: Students can learn about and practice Native American spear throwing.
CONSERVATION PROJECT: Find an area that needs some help and work on a project to make the situation better. A typical project may involve building trail steps or installing water bars.
DREAM CATCHERS: Learn about the Native American craft and make your own.
FISHING: Location dependent; we can facilitate a fishing experience with our equipment.
FRIENDSHIP BRACELETS: Make a bracelet for a friend or for yourself.
NATIVE AMERICAN GAMES: Large group games based on learning skills and traditions of Native Americans.
SCAVENGER HUNT: Based on exploring and locating a variety of things found in nature.
NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFTS: Learn to make Native American crafts like God’s Eyes and Dream Catchers.
NATURE SKETCHING: Students take inspiration from the outdoors to observe and sketch their surroundings.
INSTINCTS: Educational module that can also be used as recreation.
