C.E.L.P -
Typical Schedule -
What to Bring -
Lesson Outlines -
Letter to Parents - C.E.L.P Brochure
CELP LESSON OUTLINES
LET'S BE SENSIBLE.
In a culture dominated by sights and sounds, students can become
desensitized to the more subtle aspects of the natural world. Students
will learn how to concentrate and become more perceptive by focusing
on their senses. They will solve a mystery that involves using
all their senses to discover natural wonders. Emphasis is on using
our
senses to discover as much about the natural world as we can and
on the way animals acutely use their senses to help them survive
in the environment.
INTO THE WOODS.
The Forest is alive with many living things. In this lesson students
will determine the parts of a forest community. They will be
introduced to or add to their knowledge of producers, consumers
and decomposers,
and how these three important aspects fit into a forest setting.
This lesson will take place on Calvin's 548 acres and give
students a wonderful opportunity to explore, search, smell even
taste the natural environment. They may even see some live animals.
This
lesson also focuses on creative writing and requires putting
pen to paper and writing a "cake" mix for life in the forest.
EARTH DAY, EVERY DAY.
Our Earth is ticking away and for too long we thought we could
do anything to it. Sadly we are learning from our past and current
mistakes,
and what better way to channel the future decisions then by educating
the young. This lesson centers on giving students tools to affect
change in their "environment" using the 3 R's (reduce,
re-use and recycle). Students will make recycled paper, see composting
at work, examine what we waste already by sorting through a bag
of clean trash and leave with easy steps to practice more "care
of the earth" principles at home and school.
FISH TALES.
Fish make up the largest group of vertebrates. In "Fish Tales"
students will come to understand just how large and impressive
this group
of animals are. All the basics will be covered including where
fish fit in the food web, their adaptations and how they move.
There may
be a chance to see how old a fish is just by investigating one
of its scales. There will be opportunity to fish on our lake using
their
own handcrafted lure, as well as learning what is being done to
ensure the survival of fish stocks around the world. FOR THE BIRDS.
As humans we have always looked to the sky and longed to fly,
and ever since we did a little over 100 years ago we have continued
to look to our feathered friends for insights. Students will
participate
in a lesson that involves studying birds in nature. As well as
seeing
what makes birds unique from their hollow bones, their feathers
to their specialized vision. This lesson centers on the fact
that birds
are colorful, seemingly cheerful and easy to observe. Finally
we will investigate why birds are in trouble and disappearing
at an
alarming rate.
ROTTEN TO THE CORE.
The Rotten' world of fungi is much more than just mushrooms!
Often overlooked, or even shunned, this kingdom includes wonderfully
diverse and fascinating species. Students will learn how fungi
differ from plants, discover the common characteristics of all
fungi and
then take a hike to discover the amazing amount and variety of
fungi right under their noses. Along the hike the students will
classify
fungi into groups based on their methods of reproduction and
see first hand the roles fungi play in the eco-system. Finally
students
will investigate the mysterious relationship between fungi and
algae by studying lichens.
LAKE LIFE.
In aquatic environments, such as lakes and ponds, there reside a
variety of plants and animals that are adapted to exist in such a
watery environment. As with other habitats, lakes require a delicate
balance of life. In this class, students will be introduced to the
lake life at camp through initial exploration. Instruction and teaching
points will be given as the group of students and adults explore
this watery environment. Students will be encouraged to use all five
senses to learn as much as they can during the class session. One
goal of this session is to encourage and create a community of learners,
knowing that each person (student or adult) can contribute to the
whole group's learning. SHOW ME THE WAY.
The compass is a valuable instrument in the outdoors. In this class
the students will not only learn how to use a compass, but will also
gain knowledge of the physical and mathematical principals on which
the compass is based. Students will learn how to take a bearing,
follow a direction and pace to determine distance. After a few practice
activities, students then put these skills to use on the center's
compass orienteering courses. The course combines challenge, ingenuity
and physical activity to require students to develop their compass
skills to a fine "degree".
ALWAYS TAKE THE WEATHER.
We always talk about it… percentage chances of rain, severe
storms, inches of snow etc. But where does it all come from. This
lesson is about many peoples favorite topic… the weather. Students
will investigate patterns of weather according to the time of year.
What influence landforms play on it, and how we as humans are influencing
the weather around us locally and globally. Students will use math
to determine several examples of weather and its comfort level for
us.
LOW ROPES/INITIATIVES.
Teams can be the most fun while also the most frustrating thing.
From an early age we are in teams of all types. There are certain
things that make teams successful and even from an early age important
team concepts of cooperation and listening can be taught to children
and youth. Using the Low Ropes/Initiatives course these ideas can
be reinforced while using fun and problem solving as a medium.
CLIMBING WALL.
Ascend the heights of our wall. Scale the flat side or the harder
side, which has over-hangs and slants to challenge all ages. Over
forty feet in the up using a top roping system and trained facilitators
see your students challenge themselves in a new way.
CAMPFIRE MAGIC.
Come warm yourself by the fire. Cook S'Mores, hear the legend
of Calvin's secret tree. Campfire is a fantastic time to reflect
on the day, have some fun and learn at the same time. Join Calvin
Center staff as we lead your group through songs, and stories (learn
about the legend of "The Secret Tree") and cooking S'Mores
around one of many campfire sites.
STARS ARE OUT TONIGHT.
Experience the big dipper; see seven sisters all at once. Even gaze
upon our neighbors in space. Stars are out tonight offers children
a first hand look at the painted ceiling we call space. Depending
on the weather use maps to find the constellations that hang overhead.
Learn also about why stars & planets move, and why some people
see different stars in different parts of the world. This class is
a fun way to learn almost hands on, what cannot be reproduced during
the normal hours of school. You may even see a shooting star.
CLAY NATION.
Pinch that pot; roll that clay. Come and create your creation from
clay. Learn about how clay is made, why is the clay we use a different
color from "our" Georgia red clay. What uses does clay
have today compared to 100 years ago. Investigate the scientific
properties of clay and use math to look at different temperatures
used in the creation of all thing clay. Work with our expert potter
to experience the wonderful world of clay. While this program can
be done in one session, it is best done over 2-3 days.
BUCK'YS BUNGALOW.
In 1950 Buckminster Fuller wanted to build a home that would serve
humans better and use less of the earths resources. He found that
a triangle was the strongest shape known, and hence created Bucky's
Bungalow. This activity allows students to work in teams and learn
how to tie knots, understand the basics of what a geodesic dome is.
The lesson incorporates considerable math as well as trigonometry.
A great lesson for teamwork that enables students to see tangibly
a finished product or goal
AHOY THE CANOE.
More than just floating on our 10-acre lake, this lesson incorporates
all the skills in basic flat water canoeing. Including basic and
more advance strokes. What's more an opportunity to introduce
water-safety on lakes and flat waterways. Also time is spent teaching
fun on the water games. Great for building individual confidence,
listening and decision-making skills.
THE BEAST.
More than just a game this activity incorporates observing, listening
and following directions. Helps students understand how complex communication
can be. Students are divided up into teams and using Tinker toys
and follow a series of instructions to create an enlightening and
fun learning experience. Enjoyable to watch as it is to participate.
UNDERGROUND RAILROAD.
A cultural experience that demonstrates a way life for slaves hundreds
of years ago. A night only activity that allow students to try and
make it from safe house to safe house without getting caught. A serious
but also fun glimpse at what situations prevailed for those people
like Harriet Tubman who took enormous risks to free slaves. A wonderful
lesson in history that cannot be ignored, and one that ends with
a celebration.
|
