Camp
Trinity 

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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 core 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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Guest speakers have included Petit Jean State Park interpreters, Arkansas Game & Fish Commission officers, University of Arkansas Extension agents, zookeepers, cowboys, master gardeners, law enforcement officers, helicopter pilots, firefighters, EMTs, historians, professional musicians and artists, zoologists and exotic animal keepers, as well as archeologists and veterinarians. 

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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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Most sessions include children age 7-15. If your child is older/younger, and you are not sure if they can participate, please email the director at trinitypetitjean@gmail to discuss your child's options. Depending on the subject, participants may be divided into groups by age.

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Sept. 23 & 24: TBA

 

Sept 30 & Oct. 1: Fishing with Carrie

PJSP Interpreter Carrie will help kids as they fish for their lunch, literally. Then Carrie will help students clean, cook, and eat their fish. The eating part they can do on their own.

 

Oct. 7 & 8: Prints and printmaking

Students will learn about the history of printmaking and then experiment with making their own prints using a variety of methods. We will hike and look for prints left by others along the trails.

 

Oct. 14 & 15: The Incredible Edible Egg

Egg Science! What makes up an egg? Why are they used in baking? Are their shells actually strong? Can you bounce an egg? In this class we will explore and experiment with eggs in a variety of ways to learn how much they have to offer. These are hands-on experiments and kids may get messy.

 

Oct. 21 & 22: Codes, Ciphers and Puzzles

Passing cryptic messages is the purvey of spies and secret agents. Students will learn about various codes, ciphers and puzzling problems as well as develop their own. Then they will put them in action by hiding treasures only to be discovered by solving the cipher or correctly interpreting the code.

 

Oct. 28 & 29: Field Trip

In this off-site session students will travel to Plum Bayou Mounds Archeological State Park. We will start the morning with a guided tour of the Indian mounds. Next we will learn about tools and weapons and historic tribes of Arkansas. We will conclude with lunch in the state park.

 

Nov. 4 & 5: Knife Forging

Professional knife maker James Stevens will teach students all about knife making and forging. Mr. Stevens is a Journeyman Smith in the American Bladesmith Society. He is passionate about crafting high quality knives and specializes in chef’s knives and historically inspired Bowies. 

 

Nov. 11 & 12: Horses & Horsemanship

Deborah Morgan will be leading students through proper grooming and equipment, health, diet, anatomy & physiology, different breeds and their uses, behavior and training styles. Deborah will go over practical horsemanship, talk about careers and industry professionals, and then we will end the class with an opportunity to ride!

 

Nov. 18 & 19: American Handcrafts and the Oxcart Man

Learn how to make various handcrafts early settlers made for practical and decorative purposes. Braided rugs from rags, wood carving, tin punch, leather work and candle making will be discussed and students will be able to try several of these crafts.

 

Dec. 2 & 3: Christmas Class

Students will collect greenery in the forest to make wreaths, go caroling around the mountain, decorate cookies and make a variety of ornaments. There will be a Christmas potluck lunch and campfire.