ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Quality Environmental Education programming and facilitators are available to school groups that rent facilities at Camp Oty'Okwa. The goal of these programs is to help your group build self-esteem through self-challenging experiences in the outdoors and to instill a sense of value of the natural environment and of one another.
Camp Oty'Okwa's Environmental Educationl programming meets the State of Ohio fifth and sixth grade science, math and social studies academic standards. We work closely with school groups of all grade levels to tailor curriculum to the particular needs of your students. The following is a list of just a few of the programs offered:
Nature Programs
- Forest Ecology - Tree biology including: tree parts and their functions; tree needs; birth, life and death of trees; forest succession and tree uses in nature
- Geology - The development of the Earth's crust and its rocks, fossils, etc. Explore a geological area unique to the State of Ohio, the Hocking Hills, and understand the geological processes that created it. Learn the importance that rocks and soil play in a functioning ecosystem.
- Insect Study - The amazing adaptation and benefits of insects to nature and human beings
- Stream Ecology - Learn about a stream's ecosystem including: formation of streams through water runoff into shallow creek beds on to deeper stream beds at lower elevations, plant and creature special adaptations for stream survival and stream relationships
- Wildlife Study - Learn about the wildlife that lives in the Hocking Hills area, their habits and their habitats. The study includes the importance of wildlife adaptations such as camouflage and sense of smell, the role of predator/prey relationships and essential components of a good habitat.
History
- Native American Culture - Through hands-on learning, become knowledgable about the lifestyles and rituals of the people and tribes who once lived on what we know today as Camp Oty'Okwa.
- Pioneer Life - Discover what life was like by visiting an authentic pioneer cabin from the Ohio frontier.Students will receive a brief account of the early history of the settlment of the area in the 1800s. Students will take home their own hand-crafted candle and leaf print headband.
Skills and Challenges
These activities provide opportunities to succeed while developing self esteem and team-building skills. Communication, problem solving and listening skills help to achieve teamwork and group cohesion.
- Climbing Wall - Build self esteem conquer fear of heights and test stamina
- Low Ropes/ Group Initiatives Courses - Outdoor challenge courses that allow group success through team building
- Night Hike/Trust Walk - Experience the sights and sounds of nocturnal wildlife
- Orienteering - Learn to orient yourself in the woods using a compass, the sun, a topical map and even your wristwatch
- Survival Skills - Learn about what it takes to survive in the woods with what nature provides including: shelter building, water gathering and purification, fire-by-friction and food gathering
Evening Programs
- Campfires - Enjoy an evening by the campfire with stories and songs to create relationships and lasting memories
- Music/ Entertainment
- Naturalist
- Nature Scavenger Hunt
For more information about Camp Oty'Okwa's Environmental Education programs, call the Camp Administration at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio at 614-839-BIGS (2447), ext. 177 or e-mail mbayes@bbbscentralohio.org.
