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Avon kids matter

Avon Outdoor Learning Center

April 10, 2015 by Karen Eglen | 0 comments

Last year, on a field trip with my kindergartener, I had the privilege to see first-hand the awesome resource that our schools have with the Avon Outdoor Learning Center. “I wonder where this path goes,” said a boy in our group. “I wonder why the wood on this fallen tree is soft, and the wood on this living tree is still hard,” said another student. “I wonder…”

That’s where a thirst for learning begins! And at the OLC, our kids have the chance to reach out and put their hands right on the answers.

History of the OLC

Started more than 20 years ago, the OLC is a world-class learning resource – the likes of which, only a handful of school districts can claim. The OLC’s mission is to engage students, teachers, and the community in learning with all of their senses by immersing them in the wonders of the natural and physical world.

OLCbeesWandering (and wondering) through the beautiful 7-acre property on our field trip, we got to visit the impressive cabin there that was built in the 1840s. The students investigated the habitats of various creatures that live there. They explored the trails, visited the gardens, and experienced the amphitheater. They were  truly inspired by the many ways they could explore and create in the OLC’s beautiful environment.

Benefits of outdoor classrooms

But, why spend time in an outdoor classroom? A 2005 study by the American Institutes for Research for the California Department of Education showed that students engaged in long term outdoor education (typically between six to ten weeks) showed significant gains in conflict resolution, group cooperation, group relationships, problem solving, and self-esteem.  Academically, they showed a 27% increase in knowledge and understanding of science concepts and gains in stewardship concepts like recycling. http://www.air.org/sites/default/files/downloads/report/Outdoorschoolreport_0.pdf

Additional research has also been done in this area, and can be seen here: http://www.neefusa.org/assets/files/NIFactSheet.pdf

OLCcabinWho runs the OLC? Avon Community School Corporation (ACSC) is very fortunate to have Ms. Jennifer Davies working hard to make the OLC the best possible outdoor learning environment. The entire program is run by Ms. Davies. Prior to Ms. Davies, Mrs. Carol Ford built and curated this amazing space over a number of years, while serving 1,400 students each school year.

Ms. Davies brought with her 12 years of outdoor education experience, and she recognized the OLC for the diamond in the rough that it was. For the last two years, she has been able to increase the number of students served to about 9,100 kids each year. She works hard to create outdoor experiences that align with the standards and curricula our teachers present in their classrooms. Teachers also tie their experiences at the OLC to the subsequent learning activities following their visits. They all work together to provide an immersive learning experience for our students.

Funding the OLC is a continuing challenge

Sounds pretty amazing, doesn’t it? Our precious outdoor classroom isn’t “out of the woods,” and faces a scarcity of resources to continue operating. The biggest challenge is that it is wholly funded by grants, donations, and fundraising. Ms. Davies is currently paid as an hourly Teacher’s Assistant, but remains with us because of her passion for student learning in an outdoor environment. Last February, students felt keeping the OLC open was so important, some donated money straight from their piggy banks to make sure it stays available.

Despite these funding challenges, Ms. Davies doesn’t feel alone. During our visit, she told us, “I have some amazing support from volunteers, teachers, parents and most specifically the students.” She explained the activities she’s designed for this spring, which are intended to benefit everyone involved. “To honor them and their desire to have such an amazing opportunity as part of their education, we are asking each (Avon school) building to fundraise for the OLC throughout the week before Earth Day (April 13-17).  We are hosting a community event called, ’Everyday is Earth Day, on Sat. April 18th, and an online auction is being planned in conjunction with these two happenings.  We have asked local contractors, builders and handy-folk to build us some playhouses.  Auctioning them will be a win-win: financial support for the OLC and outdoor play space for children!”

When we were wrapping up our field trip to the OLC, one young man wondered onto a dock that stretched out a short distance over a pond in the woods there. He sat down in the middle and remained quiet. Yes, you read correctly – a kindergarten boy sat quietly. He was listening. Bullfrogs began making noises all around him. I wish I’d been able to capture his look of wonder and amazement with a camera. He was captivated with excitement as he began to search for the frog that was making the noise. Then he began to point out different parts of the habitat. He used the word habitat naturally and confidently! He had completely assimilated what it means for an animal to have a home that isn’t a house like ours, but an environment in nature. He noticed details around him and even began trying to “talk” to the frogs in their own language. Then he began to wonder. “I wonder where they sleep.” “I wonder how they find food.” The motivation to learn more has never been so intense. Learning was happening on that dock, right before our eyes!

I am thrilled that ACSC has this fantastic resource, and I hope that we always will!

Learn more

To learn more about the OLC and keep on the events going on there visit the following sites:

 

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