Outdoor Classrooms

for homeschooling families

Parents teaching their children at home, especially those homeschooling for the first time during the 2020-2021 academic year, may find the experience more challenging than expected.

Camp Trinity can help.

While most families have the core subjects (reading, writing, math) covered, other subjects can be difficult. Camp Trinity is offering instruction in disciplines outside the core: history, science, geography, art and outdoor education. Parents can participate along with their children, or they can use the time to write lesson plans, share ideas with other homeschooling parents or just enjoy a little quiet time reading and relaxing. Children of all ages are welcome, but the instruction is geared for students age 8 and above. 

Outdoor Classrooms will be on Thursdays in fall from Sept. 24 through Dec. 3, except Thanksgiving. Each day will begin at 9 a.m. and end around 3 p.m. Families will prepare their own sack lunches. The camp will provide trail mix and other snacks.

Below is a schedule of the 10 weekly outdoor classroom sessions for the fall 2020 semester. 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. Following is the schedule, subject to alteration as classes are developed.

​

Sept. 24: Natural Wonders (Geography I)

This hiking adventure take students down the Seven Hollows Trail to discover land features like waterfalls, caves, streams, cliffs, turtle rocks and a towering natural arch, all part of God's marvelous creation. Students will learn the major landforms. And they will also discover possible evidences of a worldwide flood.

​

Oct. 1: Pictures of the Past (History I)

Students will learn about Native Americans who once lived on the mountain through what they left behind. After viewing ancient pictographs in caves, students will try their hand at creating pictographs on rocks back at camp using natural materials. This session will cover the arrival of the first Europeans on the mountain and the legend of Petit Jean. With a trip to Stout's Point, students will see a portion of the route taken by the five civilized tribes during the forced relocation known as the Trail of Tears.

​

Oct. 8: Fur, Feathers and Fins (Science I)

Students will hunt animals native to the mountain -- mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and bugs -- by following their tracks, finding their burrows and nests, and identifying signs of their movements. They will learn how God made every animal unique. Students will observe animals in their natural habitat and, with a little luck, capture some little critters for a close-up view.

 

Oct. 15: Roughing It (Outdoor Ed I)

Students will set up a campsite after learning how to select the right spot. They will put up a tent, build a campfire and cook a meal over the fire. They will also hike in the state park and learn basic hiking safety. Families have the option of staying overnight in the campsite they've set up to enjoy an evening campfire, s'mores and star gazing.

​

Oct. 22: The Art of Seeing (Art I)

God created humans in His image, and we reflect that image when we create. This session focuses on drawing, the foundation for all the visual arts. Drawing is really the art of seeing. Exercises will help students learn how to draw what they see. Then they will put what they've learned into practice with an outing to draw animals and landscapes. Students will take home their creations ready to frame.

​

Oct. 29: Orienteering (Geography II)

Students will learn map reading using a compass and identifying natural landmarks. They will create maps, and search for a geocache. Then they will leave the trail to put their newfound knowledge to the test. Students will view a raised relief map of Petit Jean Mountain.

​

Nov. 5: The Changing Landscape (History II)

Students will learn about western expansion and early settlement in Arkansas. They will learn about the creation of Petit Jean State Park and the Arkansas State Park system. They will learn about the Civilian Conservation Corps, the Depression-era relief program that built the early park structures on the mountain. And they will learn of the legacy of Winthrop Rockefeller, Petit Jean's most famous resident.

​

Nov. 12: Native Flora (Science II)

Which plants can you eat? And which plants are dangerous to even touch? Students will learn how to identify edible plants and harmful plants, find out which trees and flowers are native and how they are useful to humans. Students will canoe to see aquatic plants close up, and plant some herbs to take home.

​

Nov. 19: Wilderness Survival (Outdoor Ed II)

What happens when you get lost in the wild? Students will learn wilderness survival skills -- first aid on the trail, what to pack for wilderness hiking, water filtration, finding shelter, finding food, and what to do if lost in the woods. For fun students will try their hand at hatchet throwing.

​

Dec. 3: Focus on Photography (Arts II)

This session will take photography beyond point-and-shoot to creating artistic photos. Students will learn the tricks of the trade -- subject selection, framing, design, lighting, editing -- for producing eye-popping shots. Students will leave with their best photos printed and ready to frame.

​

STAY A LITTLE LONGER

Families are invited to stay overnight in cabins, tents or RVs and enjoy other activities at Camp Trinity: canoeing, fishing, archery, disc golf, softball or kickball, gaga ball, 9-square, basketball, sand volleyball, ping pong, foosball, cornhole, horseshoes, campfires and board games. Lodging fees are modest.

​

PRICES

The cost for a single session is $25 for the first child from one family, $10 for each additional child from the same family taking part in the sessions.

The cost for the entire semester is $125 for the first child from one family (half price), $50 for each additional child from the same family (half price).