Adventures Await!
Your child is in for a memorable experience! WOODS Staff strives to create a safe, respectful & responsible learning environment for all. Many students list Outdoor School as one of their favorite school experiences.
CABIN LIVING
Schools assign students to cabin groups. Each cabin is supervised and managed by volunteer high school Student Leaders who live in the cabins with students. If your school attends with other schools, cabins will likely be blended. If you would like more information about how cabin groups are assigned, feel free to contact. your child’s school.
WOODS supports a student’s right to use facilities that correspond with their gender identity. Fifth/sixth grade students and Student Leaders who identify as female will be placed in female cabins and use female designated restrooms. Fifth/sixth grade students and Student Leaders who identify as male will be placed in male cabins and use male designated restrooms.
Students typically change clothes in cabins and shower in the restroom area. WOODS has pop up tents that can be used in cabins if a fifth or sixth grade student or a Student Leader would like extra privacy. Restrooms have a separate shower room with single shower stalls and a curtain. Toilets are single stalls with a door.
An ADA single use restroom is available for fifth/sixth grade students and Student Leaders.
Meals
WOODS contracts a food service provider who creates nutritious and appealing meals for our student (and staff) participants. Our meals are served “family style.” If your child has food allergies or dietary restrictions, please indicate on the registration/medical form. Students SHOULD NOT bring food to Outdoor School unless it is medically necessary and has been communicated about with WOODS. This is to ensure that all students are kept safe regarding food allergen exposure.
MEDICAL NEEDS
Parents/guardians must submit a WOODS registration/medical form for their child prior to ODS attendance. Please review and fill in this form carefully. If your child takes prescribed medication(s), you will list the medications and schedules. There is a box on the form that you can check if you would like to be contacted prior to ODS. If we have questions about your child’s form, we will contact you.
Daily Schedule
We stay very busy at Outdoor School! The day is packed with all sorts of fun activities and your child will likely be ready for bed at the end of the day.
Field Study LEssons
Field study lessons occur each day. Your child will be outside - rain or shine - exploring forests, water, soil and animals. Whether it be getting a closer look at a creature found in a stream with a hand lens or tapping into their creative writing and art sense, they are sure to discover something new.
Packing
Because your child will be outside learning, they should be prepared for all kinds of weather. We recommend that participants dress in layers. Some of the most necessary items are rain coats, warm socks, rubber boots and beanies. Knowing ahead of time what to bring and what to leave at home is very important and varies depending on your child’s Outdoor School program. All students, HS Student Leaders, and WOODS Staff are required to wear long pants and closed toed shoes.