Teacher Information Package 2007 - 08

The YMCA Outdoor Centre offers a wide variety of residential programs to participants of all ages. You may choose either a "pre-packaged" program, or you  and our program director may work together to design a program from the many "a la carte" program options availiable. We offer many program components that are excellent when run independently, and even better as part of a complete program.

Our Program Staff

YMCA Outdoor Centre Staff provide all program instruction to small groups of students - 1 instructor for approximately 15 students - which allows for optimum experiential learning. Our staff are specially trained to guide students through the highly interactive activities that encourage discovery, observation, investigation, exploration and experimentation.

Supervision

Teachers (and parent volunteers, if you choose to bring them) are responsible to supervise your students. Our program staff, who work directly with your group, are always available to assist in any situation, but are primarily focused on program delivery.

Please Note: In an effort to keep this experience financially manageable, teachers and parent volunteers attend our programs at no cost.

Food Service & Accommodation

Our full time cook plans our menus according to Canada's Food Guide to Healthy Eating. Our dining hall provides a bright and comfortable environment which is also a conveniently located hub of activity and programming atternative in inclement weather.   Accommodation is assigned based on group size, program, time of  booking, requests and time of year.

Curriculum Links

Teachers will appreciate the many opportunities at the Outdoor Centre to make meaningful connections among expectations from two or more strands of the Ontario Curriculum, and if integrating programs, between two or more disciplines.

The Outdoor Centre programs are partitcularly effective at delivering the 3 main goals of the Science and Technology curriculum:

• Understanding Basic Concepts
• Inquiry and Design Skills (inquiry in particular)
• Relating of Science and Technology to the World Outside the School

Earthkeepers (Grades 5 & 6) is an exciting hands-on learning adventure that aims to develop within each individual a value system based on respect for all living things. With some preliminary classroom work, an on-site learning experience, and at home and school follow up, students learn about the earth's cycles and our impact on these systems.

For further details on the program click on the following link.

Earthkeepers program

School of Leaders (Grades 7 & 8) is a residential, two and a half day program that helps students learn about themselves and their role in the classroom and the school community. As students are engaged in a carefully planned progression of experiential activites, they learn leadership skills that are transferable back in school and in the community.

For further details on the program click on the following link.

School of Leaders Program

Tailor - Made Programs for Any Grade

We also design programs according to the specific needs of the class(es).

Tailor - Made Progams

for more information, contact:

The YMCA of Kitchener-Waterloo Outdoor Services
3738 Hessen Strasse, St. Clements, ON N0B 2M0

(519) 699-5100

Email: Camping Information