PLEASE NOTE: Thursday sessions of the spring 2023

Outdoor Classroom are full. Registration remains open only for Wednesday sessions until they are full.

The class schedule is still under development.

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Every year more parents choose to school their children at home. It can be a daunting task.

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That's where the Outdoor Classroom comes in.

 

Homeschooling families generally have little difficulty covering the core subjects (reading, math, language arts), but sometimes they can use a little help with other parts of the curriculum (science, history, geography and fine arts).

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Camp Trinity introduced the Outdoor Classroom in fall 2020 to assist homeschooling families with disciplines outside the basic curriculum. The Outdoor Classroom has included sessions on wildlife flora and fauna, history, wilderness survival, physical and cultural geography, mountain music, sculpture, drawing, photography, archeology, botany, engineering, and orienteering. Classes are taught by Camp Trinity staff and guest presenters.

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Because of the number of early registrations for the fall 2022 semester, Camp Trinity added a second option. Courses will be taught not only on Thursday but on Wednesday as well.

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Families can choose when to participate and pay just for the classes they attend or they can sign up for the entire 10-week semester at a steep discount (prices below). Those who sign up for the semester are not required to attend every session but can attend only the classes of most interest.

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The sessions are for school-aged children (6-18). Depending on the subject, participants may be divided into groups by age.

 

Classes for spring 2023 are still in development. The schedule dates are below, with details to follow. Classes are subject to change as scheduling conflicts arise for guest speakers:

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March 1/2: Rhythm & Dance

Meter and rhythm are found in music and poetry. Students will learn basic forms of beat and meter, and then try folk dancing, bamboo stick dancing, square dancing and more. King David danced before the Lord; dance can still be a form of praise — and a lot of fun!​

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March 8/9: Green Thumbs

In this session for budding gardeners, students will learn when is the best time to plant specific plants, herbs and flowers; what type of soil is best; how much water and fertilizer is needed; and when's the best time to harvest. Agent Alicia Hugen of the Conway County Extension Service will lead the session.

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March 15/16: Living off the Land

Native Americans were adept at living off the land, with skills early European settlers had to learn quickly to survive. How did they do it? Students will learn how the pioneers lived — how to find shelter and later build homes, how to obtain food, how to find water and how to make other necessities.

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March 22/23: Art Naturally

Beautiful art can be created using only natural elements found in the woods: rocks, sticks, grass, flowers, berries, leaves, feathers. Using objects found on a morning hike, students will create their own works of natural art to take home.

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March 29/30: Something Fish

In the morning, regional education specialist Morgan Gant of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will teach about fish and other aquatic life native to Arkansas. In the afternoon, students will head to Lake Bailey for a fishing expedition with Morgan and interpreters from Petit Jean State Park.

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April 5/6: Wild Kingdom

On Wednesday, veterinarian Dr. John Davis will bring exotic pets and tell about their unusual characteristics. On Thursday, staff from the Little Rock Zoo will bring more exotic animals. We won't know until they come which animals we'll see either day (probably not a giraffe).

NOTE: A limited number of students will be able to switch which day they come or even attend both Wednesday and Thursday sessions this week.

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April 12/13: Into the Woods

Among the wonders of God's creation are forests. A forester will lead students through the woods to identify types of trees native to Arkansas and describe how the forests have changed over the past few centuries. Students will learn about forest products they use every day.​

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April 19/20: Creepy Crawlies

Snakes, insects, and arachnids may be scary, but they are part of God's design and serve useful purposes. Students will identify some of these creatures and learn about their peculiarities. While some are dangerous, most are not, and all are important to the ecosystem.​

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April 26/27: Night Flyers

Owls are birds, of course, and bats are mammals. But they share characteristics. They fly, for one. And they are most active after the sun goes down. Students will learn what makes these night flyers unique. Though out mostly at night, they can be seen during the day — if you know where to look.

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May 3/4: Campout

Mountain Man will teach basic camping skills, and families will set up tent campsites. Those who wish can stay overnight in their tents, cooking outdoors, singing around the campfire and gazing at the canopy of stars overhear after dark.

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