Home School Options

Outdoor Education is a great opportunity for home school students as well as school groups. Because the structure of our regular Outdoor Education program does not always seem feasible for home school families, we are offering several options for you and your family. If you are part of a co-op, you can choose to participate in our one, two, or three-day outdoor education programs. You must have a minimum of ten students per age group to receive our regular price rates. Whether you belong to a co-op or not you can choose to come to a Home School Outdoor Education Day. 

Home School Outdoor Education Day

This spring Black Rock Retreat is hosting two Outdoor Education days specifically for home school families. Mark your calendars for Monday, April 19 and Tuesday, May 25, 2010! From 9:00AM until 3:00PM, our Outdoor Education Instructors will lead your children in a discovery of God's creation. A devotional time, nature games, and two Creation Exploration classes are all a part of each educational, fun-filled day. 

The cost for one day is $19 per child and $10 per adult. The price includes all of the day's activities and a hot lunch.  Families bringing 3 or more children will receive a $3 discount per child. Additionally, the cost for attending both Outdoor Education Days is $33 per child, a $5 savings!

To download a brochure and registration form, click here.

Tentative Schedule:/files/Pages Images/Our Programs/Girls.JPG

8:30am - Registration
9:00am - Welcome, Introductions, Devotions
9:45am - Creation Exploration 1*
11:45am - Lunch
12:15pm - Nature Activities 
1:00pm - Creation Exploration 2*
3:00pm - Departure

*We need at least one parent to attend with each class group during the Creation Exploration times.

Classes for Monday, April 19, 2010

  • Ages 6-9 - Asking the Animals and Beholding the Birds:  We will learn about different habitats, and how God designed each animal to live in its specific habitat.  Also, we will learn some defining characteristics for birds and go on a hike to identify the birds we encounter.
  • Ages 10-12 - Fantastic Fossils and GeoCache Black Rock Retreat:  Learn about how fossils form, what they tell us about the past, and how they show evidence of the Creator.  Also, learn of the technology behind GPS, then use this technology to search for hidden geocaches around Black Rock Retreat.
  • Ages 13-18 - Challenge Ropes Course Experience:  We will begin the day on the Low Ropes Course, then conquer the High Ropes Course in the afternoon.  A minimum of eight participants is required.

Classes for Tuesday, May 25, 2010

  • Ages 6-9 - Tree Identification and Investigating Insects:  We will study trees, learning about their structure and function, uses, and how to identify them.  Also, learn what makes an insect unique from other animals of God's creation, then go on a bug hunt to get an up-close look at these creatures.
  • Ages 10-12 - Considering the Heavens and Advanced Stream Study:  God created a vast universe.  Study the celestial objects, planets and constellations that we see in the night sky, and make a star chart to help you identify the constellations.  Also, we will use chemical tests and survey the organisms of the Octoraro Creek to determine water quality.  Be prepared to get your feet wet!
  • Ages 13-18 - Canoeing Basics and Birdwatching:  We will spend the day off-site at the Octoraro Reservoir developing our canoeing skills and observing bird species.  Transportation to and from the reservoir, all necessary gear, and a sack lunch will be provided.

To register, mail the completed registration form, along with a non-refundable deposit of $5 per participant.  Registration deadline is April 5th for the April session and May 11th for the May session.  Registration is limited to 20 students per age group, so be sure to register early!  For more information or to register, contact Sarah Fedchak, our Outdoor Education Director,  at (800)858-9299 or outdoor@blackrockretreat.com.