Recreation provides exposure and opportunity for education. We work with numerous local schools to provide opportunities for kids to come ride bikes and ski at the Center. Sometimes these trips are part of Physical Education class. Other times they are a reward for good work. Sometimes it happens during the school day; other times it’s an after-school program.
What do kids learn through outdoor sports and recreation? Besides the basics of how to ski or ride a bike, these opportunities offer lessons in teamwork, communication, responsibility and perseverance--lifetime skills that will serve them well in the future. We’re also seeing an increasing trend toward moving learning out of the classroom and into the real world. Indeed, there are opportunities to learn and practice math, science, art and writing skills through outdoor experiences. We are exploring these opportunities with schools in our area.
Include outdoor programming in your student’s day
Beginning in 2016 the Craftsbury Outdoor Center has partnered with local schools to expand the scope of our outdoor programming to include mountain biking, hiking, and disc golf in addition to our tried-and-true scholastic ski programs. To date we have offered either single visits or season-long programs to the following schools:
Albany Community School
Coventry School
Jay/Westfield Elementary
Craftsbury Academy
Hazen Union High School
Northfield
Laraway School
Glover School
The programming has mainly been built around introducing students to mountain biking, an activity that combines physical fitness with problem solving skills (due to the technical nature of the sport). Whether we are helping experienced riders progress or teaching kids to ride for the first time, the Center’s trained instructors have succeeded in creating an environment in which the vast majority of participants flourish. Riding is accessible enough that students of all experiences and fitness levels can enjoy themselves.
The skill progression happens quickly as students find a new activity about which to be passionate and build on their successes. We often see students who struggle in more traditional learning environments shine when riding trails. Teachers also report that the students’ confidence, pride in their newfound abilities, and willingness to take healthy risks carries over into the classroom for improved learning.
To date our programs have either been used as single field trips or in-school rewards for students who maintain required attendance and coursework standards. Teachers and administrators have reported that traditionally hard-to-reach students are motivated to complete work in order to earn riding time.
We are excited to partner with North Country Union’s new outdoor education program for the fall of 2019, wherein 30 freshmen and sophomores will earn course competency credits in English and science while participating in a variety of activities at the Center. We would love to work with more schools to provide a non-traditional environment in which students could develop and achieve educational competencies.
We have a base price of $50 per visit plus $5 per bike rental. However, we are open to working with schools to fit into tight budgets if necessary. Please feel free to reach out to Ollie Burruss for more details.