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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Feb. 25 & 26: Orienteering (Trent Whitehead AGFC)

In this session AGFC Trent Whitehead will teach students basic compass skills. Then they will put their knowledge to the test through challenging orienteering activities.

 

March 4 & 5: Rock Climbing 101 (Pastor Witte)

Students will learn the basics of rock climbing. Experienced climber Pastor David Witte will teach kids knots, handholds, footholds, and more as they scale a rock face on Petit Jean Mountain.

 

March 11 & 12: Matter in Motion (Sunflower)

A look at the study of Physics through motion. Sunflower will lead students in radical experiments.

 

March 18 & 19: Field Trip (AR Heritage Museum)

In this off-site class students will learn about food preservation, historic textiles and carding cotton, historic land surveying, and participate in washing day relays.

 

March 25 & 26: Archaeological Process (Ashley Hansen, WRI Research Station) 

Students will conduct their own dig, record what they find, where they find it, and interpret what that says about the past.

 

April 1 & 2: Beekeeping (Alicia Hugen County Co. Ext.)

We will look at traditional bee boxes to see what bees do on the inside and what makes them thrive, and we’ll learn about bee keeping supplies to gain a better understanding of what is used and why.

 

April 8 & 9: Music (Songcatcher)

Students will learn about the history of Ozark folk music, hear live musicians & try out new instruments in a musical petting zoo. Students are encouraged to play or sing a song they’ve prepared in an informal afternoon recital.

 

April 15 & 16: Boats (Sunflower)

Back by popular demand, Sunflower will demonstrate several boat designs and help students construct their own water crafts. Then they will test out their designs on Lake Bailey.

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April 22 & 23: Outdoor Cooking (Park Interpreter Carrie)

Park Interpreter Carrie will provide students with an assortment of ingredients and teach them to concoct their own sweet & savory dishes over a campfire.

 

April 29 & 30: Field Day & Potluck (Mountain Man)

The Olympics modeled their activities after Camp Trinity’s field day. From long jumps to sprints, students will push their physical limits to achieve glory.