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 Program Overview

 

YMCA Camp Colman's Outdoor Environmental Education (OEE) Program offers schools a full-service experiential learning program, with a choice of environmental, challenge, and outdoor education classes.

The OEE Program is in operation from March through June and September through November. Length of stay and curriculum are flexible and we look forward to tailoring an OEE experience to fit your school group. All program classes and activities are led by trained instructors and facilitators. Camp schedules and class rosters are drafted by the Program Director after discussion with teachers. Schools only need to organize the preparation, transport and supervision of the students. Groups can also choose to organize their own events.

 

 Teacher Resources

 

WHAT YOU NEED...​

We are looking forward to a wonderful year!  We hope you find this information useful as you plan your trip to Camp Colman.  Accessing the materials online allows you to print and copy whatever you need.  You may also send specific groups of people such as parents, chaperones and even students directly to this site to download the materials that are designed for their use. 

OEE Program Guide - Teacher Packet

Class Abstracts: Curriculum Guide

Group Information Sheet - for Teachers to Complete

OEE Cabin Leader Training Manual

OEE Student Packet

Food Allergy Information Sheet

Release of Liability - before coming to camp, be sure that every participant has a completed and signed liability waiver form. 

Camp Colman Map

Camp Colman Driving Directions

Please contact Camp Colman's OEE Director, Bryce McNichols, at 253.884.3844 x104 or bmcnichols@seattleymca.org with any questions or concerns.

 

 Team-Building & Leadership

 

GROW TOGETHER 

Many groups come to Colman to take part in our Challenge Education program. Whether you aim to strengthen group dynamics, encourage teamwork or have a fun bonding experience, our facilitators can tailor these Challenge Education exercises to meet your goals.

Our staff are expertly trained and certified to facilitate our challenge course.  Our facility is held to highest industry standards for safety.  Our equipment is inspected with each use and careful logs are kept to ensure all equipment is in safe and in working order.

Each class is designed to take 90 minutes with a group of 15 students. You may choose from the following classes: 

On The Ground (or close to it)                                            

  • Challenge I – Initiatives
  • Challenge II – Low Ropes

High Ropes

  • Climbing Wall
  • Vertical Playpen (midair obstacle course)
  • Catwalk (30-foot log suspended 35 feet in the air)
  • Giant Swing

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     Environmental Education (OEE)

     

    TEACHING FOR EVERYONE 

    We recognize that there are different learning styles and therefore try to incorporate a variety of activities into our curriculum, including:

    Environmental Education - introduces the basic ecological concepts through exploration and discovery of the natural environment. It helps promote respect for the environment, an understanding of the impact that humans can have, and the ability of individuals to make a difference. Classes include forest, beach, and marine ecology studies.

    Challenge Education - focuses on team building and personal development in a supportive, non-judgmental atmosphere. Participants are encouraged to overcome mental and physical obstacles in order to develop closer relationships, gain insight about themselves and the group, and work effectively together. Classes make use of our low elements initiatives, challenge courses, and 27' climbing wall.

    Outdoor Education - promotes the development of self-esteem and teamwork through competency in recreational skills. These include canoeing, compass and orienteering, outdoor wilderness living skills, and archery. These classes and activities provide exposure to simple outdoor skills in a non-threatening, non-competitive environment. Students learn and follow the appropriate safety rules and are encouraged to share, respect equipment, and help each other.

    To discuss outdoor education opportunities at Camp Colman for your school or group, please contact our Outdoor Environmental Education Director, Bryce McNichols at bmcnichols@seattleymca.org or call 253.884.3844.

    Financial aid is not offered for OEE programs, however, scholarships and subsidies may be available.Colman Touch Tank OEE.jpg colman archery girl.jpgColman Garden OEE.jpg

    Schools