OUTDOOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS AT THE OUTDOOR CENTRE
Curriculum aligned Outdoor Education programs are available over two seasons: Spring (May and June) and Fall (September and early October).
What makes us special:
- French programming is available in the Spring season for groups of up to 55 participants.
- Teachers are supported through the booking process, with personalized support to help plan your trip.
- Dedicated and caring staff team guide students in learning that is fun and engaging. Teachers and chaperones support camp staff but we do all the hard work of planning and running programs.
- All students, including those with individualized learning plans, are welcome. Please speak to us, as we may be able to provide specific support.
CAMP PROGRAMS AND CURRICULUM CONNECTIONS
The Outdoor Education programs at Camp Thunderbird are aligned to the BC curriculum.
Download the detailed Curriculum Connection document for:
Physical & Health Education (PHE) Science (Sc)*Detailed Camp Program descriptions can be found in the Teacher Information Booklet.
| Camp Program | Curriculum Connection |
|---|---|
| Rock Climbing | PHE K-12 |
| Hiking | PHE K-12, Sc K-7 |
| Canoeing | PHE K-12 |
| Kayaking | PHE K-12 |
| Stand Up Paddleboarding | PHE K-12 |
| Archery | PHE K-12 |
| Orienteering | Sc 3-7 |
| Atlatl | PHE K-12 |
| Teambuilding | PHE K-12 |
| Low Ropes | PHE K-12 |
| Swimming | PHE K-12 |
| Animal Game | PHE K-12 |
| Mass Games | PHE K-12 |
| Campfires | PHE K-12 |
| Nature Walks/Learning Chain | Sc K-7 |
| Owl Pellet Dissection | Sc K-7 |
| Climate Alive! | Sc 7 |
| Natural Selection in the Natural Environment (Evolution) | Sc 7 |
| Camp Craft | PHE K-12 |
| Overnight Out Trips | PHE K-12 |
| Camp Culture/Living (throughout programs) | PHE K-12 |
New NEW CURRICULUM ALIGNED PROGRAMS
Through the generous support of TD Friends of the Environment and the European Society for Evolutionary Biology Grants, we have developed curriculum aligned programs focused on climate change and evolution. The programs are experiential, hands-on and aligned to the BC Grade 7 curriculum. If you are interested in knowing more about these, please contact the Outdoor Education Program Manager at hkucera@vancouverislandy.ca
All lesson plans are available for teachers to preview, prior to a trip, or to use on their own in their classrooms.
Climate Alive!
Students explore the concepts of climate change in a place-based setting through forest ecosystem exploration and inquiry, high energy games to break down climate change topics, tree ring investigations to understand past climate patterns, and amphibian monitoring to see the impacts of climate change on local salamanders and newts.
Natural Selection in the Natural Environment
Students investigate the processes of natural selection and adaptation through hands-on real mammal skull observations and forest games.
TEACHER INFORMATION BOOKLET
The Teacher Information Booklet includes detailed descriptions of Camp Programs, the booking process and much more. It is updated each year and contains information vital to a successful trip to the Outdoor Centre.
Teacher Information Booklet - 2020