Friday, November 20, 2009

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. Camp sessions are mostly two nights and three days, either Monday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Friday. Other night combinations are also available. 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.

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

• 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 atmosphere that is judgment free. 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 and 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, take care of 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 Melanie Hill at melaniehill@seattleymca.org or call (253) 884-3844.

Financial aid is not offered for OEE programs. However, please inquire about scholarships and subsidies available.

Outdoor Environmental Education Program Planning

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 can 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.  

Program Materials:

OEE Teacher Packet
Group Information Sheet for Teachers to Complete
OEE Cabin Leader Training Manual
OEE Parent Packet
OEE Student Packet

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

Map of Camp Colman


For more information on becoming an instructor:

Outdoor Environmental Education Instructor Job Description
Information beyond the Job Description
Frequently Asked Questions