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A GUIDE FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
We are eagerly looking forward to the arrival of your child and his or her class at
the Outdoor Education Center! The following is a brief overview to familiarize
you with the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center and our educational program.
History: Our center began in 1956, with two buildings constructed by Antioch
students. It has grown to include a central lodge, three cabins, a craft hut, a
raptor center and staff living space. We are located in the beautiful 1,000-acre
Glen Helen Nature Preserve, which has been declared a National Natural
Landmark and a National Environmental Study Area by the National Park
Service.
What is Outdoor Education? Outdoor Education means using the environment
as an integrating context for learning. Educators are increasingly seeing the
value of authentic learning, which is learning based in real-world experience.
You can’t bring a forest, meadow or pond into the classroom. You must visit
these communities to discover the many interrelationships between plants and
animals. Nature is the living laboratory where students can develop concerns for
the environment by forming a relationship with it. It is our hope that by
developing a relationship with nature, students will gain an appreciation and a
desire to be good stewards of our natural resources.
Learning About Ourselves : Just as important as the awakening to the natural
world, is the students’ awareness of who they are. At Glen Helen, students have
the opportunity to work together as a team. They have the chance to grow in
understanding, giving, caring, and sharing. Few students could participate in a
week of working together outdoors without bringing home a deeper respect for
each other, their classroom teachers, and their parents or guardians.
During a typical day, your child will have two major field trips in the Glen, which
include activities centered on themes such as ecology, geology, or living history.
Also during the day and early evening, additional activities may include pioneer
crafts, music, baking, sports, dramatics, and of course some relaxation and good
food.
For most students, their time spent at Glen Helen is an unforgettable experience.
Many adults believe that their week at Glen Helen as a child was one of the most
meaningful events of their school years! Thank you for sharing your child with
us. We appreciate your support and will do everything we can to make this a
wonderful, memorable experience for him/her.
Sincerely, the Staff of the Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center
SOME OTHER QUESTIONS PARENTS OR GUARDIANS MIGHT HAVE:
LOCATION: The Outdoor Education Center is located off State Route 343 on
the north side of Yellow Springs. Mail for students should be
addressed to them at 1075 State Route 343, Yellow Springs,
Ohio, 45387. The emergency telephone number of 937-767-
7648.
TELEPHONING YOUR CHILD: Students are not able to receive phone calls, except in
emergencies. Students are not permitted to call home.
However, parents and guardians will be notified immediately of
severe behavior problems, accident, or illness.
SUPERVISION: Your child will be supervised closely by teachers and
chaperones from your child’s school or by Outdoor Education
Center staff at all times. Our qualified staff includes college or
graduate students who come to Glen Helen from all over the
country and even abroad.
HOUSING: The students are housed in comfortable dorms with electricity,
central heat, clean restrooms and showers. Supervision in the
dorms is provided by teachers and chaperones coming from your
school.
FOOD: Please do not pack food with your child. Three hot meals are
served each day, and your child will not go hungry. Parents may
send supplemental food only if their child has medical dietary
restrictions. Food should be sent with teachers and will be
coordinated by teachers throughout the week.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE: In the case of accident or illness, a parent or guardian will be
contacted immediately. Each staff member is certified in First
Aid and CPR. We have basic first-aid supplies on site and are
located just minutes away from Greene Memorial Hospital and
Miami Township Fire and Rescue.
STUDENT INSURANCE: Each child must be covered by some form of accident insurance
before arrival at the Glen. If a personal or school policy is not in
effect, the Center can provide the required insurance for 35¢ a
day where the student is insured for the period of the stay.
Contact your child’s teacher if you are interested.
CAMPSTORE: We stock t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, postcards, hand lenses,
pencils and other assorted items at our Camp Store. If your
child’s school chooses this option, a list of sample items and
prices will be sent home. Students must bring the exact amount
of money in a sealed envelope labeled with their name.
WHAT TO BRING: A list of recommended clothing and equipment will be sent home
from school with your child.
ECOCAMPS: The Center offers a specialized program in the summer for
children ages 5 – 14. Our summer Ecocamp program includes
day camps and overnight camps. Look for a brochure in early
winter. Call 937-767-7648 for information or visit our website at
www.glenhelen.org
