2008 Grant Proposal Details

Outdoor Learning   César E. Chávez Elementary

Total: $2000

Description:  For the past 4 years, Chavez Elementary has continued the outdoor school tradition handed down from the Westmoreland era. Chavez offers an outdoor learning experience for 4th and 5th graders each spring. Opportunities to learn outside the classroom are extremely valuable to children, especially with our population. Many of our families live in poverty and would not have the chance to experience the outdoors in a setting like Sky Camp. Chavez Outdoor School objectives include: hands-on experiences in non-classroom setting, experiencing community through group living, study, recreation and structured activity including: physical challenges, campfire skits and songs, and storytelling, as well as diverse and engaging curriculum in subjects with forest habitat and wildlife, plant identification, hiking, science, poetry and more.

Why is this important?  This project connects life science and social sciences, as students study Oregon's coniferous forest layers, synthesizing ideas about Oregon’s ecology and communities that connect all of us. Because of the hands-on, minds-on focus, it is an experience that students will remember for the rest of their lives. The trip takes place in June and becomes a focus for the entire year, as students study the climate and ecology of Oregon along with social studies, allowing them to apply prior knowledge learned in earlier grades. Our 4th and 5th graders work together with problem solving, team work and group activities throughout the year that aid in making strong social connections to carry with them to the upper grades and into their adult lives. There is an on going emphasis on working together to overcome issues, whether in scientific or social areas. Students will: hike on the nature trail, learn about native plants and the layers of the forest, work in teams, perform at campfire, bond in small and large groups, keep a written and sketch journal, build model rockets and launch them, engage in poetry writing about the Earth, discuss scientific findings with the group, learn about food chains and life cycles, explore the Sky Camp area, understand the interconnectedness of forest plant and animal species, stay in and maintain cabins, work in the camp kitchen to serve peers, learn outdoor survival skills and create lifelong memories.

Who will be served?  Outdoor school this year will serve approximately 120 4th and 5th graders. Over the years, all Chavez students that continue with us through 4th and 5th grades have the opportunity to be part of this important tradition.All 4th and 5th grade teachers, as well as volunteers from Chavez and the U of O Environmental program run the camp experience and manage the cabins.

How will this be evaluated?  The success of this program is evaluated in many ways. Upon returning to school, students write about newly learned skills, as well as their experiences and memories of camp. They complete informal evaluations of the classes and the experience itself. Teachers and the principal hold a post-camp meeting to discuss the camps successes and brainstorm improvement ideas. Families of students will be given the opportunity to provide feedback on the overall experience their child had. The best evaluation of all is from the students themselves-they always list Sky Camp as the favorite experience of their entire elementary career.

Does this build on existing programs?  Chavez Outdoor School at SKYCAMP has been a tradition passed on from Westmoreland for well over 15 years. We are one of the few elementary schools that still offer an overnight camp each year. We have an outstanding program plan that has been solid and successful over the years, improving a little bit with each new camp experience. With our school’s focus on the environment through our green school status, our program is truly comprehensive.

Budget:  We are requesting EEF to consider this program for a $2,000 grant. The total cost of camp is $5000. The EEF grant would cover lodging, food and educational supplies. The remainder would be paid for with Jog-a-thon funds and donations from outside parties. Lodge and Cabins$2000, Food $1900, Transportation (busses) $500, Educational Supplies $250, Storyteller $300, First aid $ 50 Total $5000

Proposal #:  17