| ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION
Camp Oty’Okwa provides quality Environmental Education
programs. The goal of these programs is to 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 works hand-in-hand with
schools to develop a curriculum that is tailored to the particular
needs of the 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,
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 streambeds 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 habit 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 – Learn about the lifestyles
and rituals of the people and tribes who once lived on what
we know today as Camp Oty’Okwa through hands-on learning.
•
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 settlement
of the area in the 1800’s. 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 team work and
group cohesion.
• Climbing
Wall / High Tree Climb – 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 – Learn to use senses other than
sight to explore the night time environment while learning
to trust yourself and others.
• Orienteering - Learn to orient yourself in nature with an introduction
to the use of a compass and topographical map.
•
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 614-839-2447 or email dschirner@bbbscentralohio.org.
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