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About The nugget. (Sisters, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (April 20, 2015)
10 Wednesday, May 20, 2015 The Nugget Newspaper, Sisters, Oregon Students teach and learn at outdoor school By Jim Cornelius News Editor “Transferring knowledge from the classroom to the real world is sometimes difficult for a ‘tweenager’ to process,” says Sisters Middle School (SMS) teacher Becky Aylor. Enter outdoor school. Last week, facilitator Brad Tisdel, SMS teachers, and high-school-age counselors took the SMS sixth-grade class to Camp Tadmore in Sweet Home for three days of full-immersion education — outside, in the elements. It is an exceptional combination of fun and games, bonding and team-building and hands-on educational experiences. “Outdoor school answers to the ‘Why do we need to learn this?’ question that so many students — and adults — ask,” Aylor said. “It’s the hands-on learning where we see so many students that struggle academically really excel in this type of environ- ment. For some students, this is the first night away from home, or the first experience in a sleeping bag, or building a campfire. Sadly for some, it may be their last.” The high school counsel- ors are a key element in the success of outdoor school. They teach classes ranging from water studies to plant studies and supervise activi- ties and the sleepover aspect of the program. It’s an intense experi- ence for the counselors, who have long hours, significant responsibilities, and a horde of high-energy kids to keep some semblance of control over. And the counselors love the experience. “Even though we’re all exhausted, I’m so glad I did it,” said Kendra Kemp, who went by the camp name Chickadee. Seth Larson (Fusa) taught water studies and shelter building. He was impressed with how attentive the kids were, validating Aylor’s point that many young kids actually learn better in a more physi- cally engaging environment. “It was very eye-opening to see how the kids got along outside the school,” Larson said. “They listen better. They were very engaged.” Larson’s kids studied macroinvertebrates in streams, using a microscope. There were lively discussions about habitat — and a lot of fun handling “bugs.” Then there was the fun and photo by beCky aylor Sixth graders explored the flora and fauna of Camp Tadmor in Sweet Home during outdoor school. SISTERS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY Thrift Store ReStore Memorial Day is around the corner... 25% OFF Come on in for those Shorts & Tees! 541-549-1740 games: “A thing called ‘romp’ where they chase after you and try to throw you in the lake, which was fun.” There was also what Kemp called “an epic game of cap- ture the flag,” which was enhanced by one day of heavy rain, which turned the field to mud. And what middle schooler doesn’t love playing in the mud? It’s no wonder their coun- selors were worn out. “The next morning when I got back, I fell asleep stand- ing in the shower,” Larson confessed. “It rained ALL day on day two of ODS (outdoor school),” Aylor said. “Kids were dripping wet and there was not a single complaint — students were bright-eyed asking if the ‘lake would be open’ so they could try canoe- ing again to attempt to master the rowing technique with a buddy.” Aylor was full of praise for the high school counselors. “The high school counsel- ors put in endless hours train- ing on all the what-ifs and night-time questions,” she said. “The talent oozes from our high school students. I am always in awe of how far these students mature since they were in middle school. Seeing them spread their wings to help out the younger Outlaws is inspiring. It is a rigorous process to be chosen as an ODS counselor, students often begin preparing for this upon returning from ODS in Kalin Emrich & Katie Crabb 541-549-2882 sixth grade!” Galen Boles (Big Bear) taught plant studies, which was a real eye-opener for many students who had not traveled much in Oregon. Exploring the flora of the Sweet Home area, they learned “how different areas in Oregon can be, even just two hours away,” Boles said. photo by brad tisdel Boles felt a strong “Chaco” demonstrates fire starting with wet commitment to give his materials during outdoor school. students “the best expe- rience they could have,” and brings to students, counsel- that meant making allowances ors, teachers — everyone it touches. Experiences there for rambunctiousness. “It was three days in a provide lifelong lessons long lesson in patience,” he and lifelong memories. She said. He knew he should “not expressed great appreciation get mad at them for goofing for the long-term dedication around a little bit. I was con- of Carol Packard, who has been the spark plug of the stantly at that age.” Like the other counselors, program at SMS. “Both of my kids were able he is very glad to have taken to experience outdoor school on the exacting chore. “My experience was fan- through SMS, and I cringe at the thought of a shrinking tastic,” he said. Aylor noted the contribu- budget where this outstand- tion of Tisdel (Alpenglow) ing program is in jeopardy,” who has been contracted for Aylor said. “Carol Packard many years to facilitate out- is close to finishing up two decades of ODS. It is a well- door school. “Brad Tisdel is freakishly oiled machine that is practi- amazing at what he does,” she cally glitch-free. I appreciate said. “He can herd cats like her dozens of hours of volun- none other and brings out the teering to take on this project, best in everyone in all that he as it is not a contracted nor does. The purpose and inten- funded position. As a teacher tionality he brings as a facili- myself, I know that time is tator is something I am truly so precious and valuable, and to squeeze in one more grateful for.” Aylor is passionate about thing is nothing short of a the value outdoor school miracle.” The Locals’ Choice for Service with a Smile! The Hair Caché Your Barber Shop! 152 E. Main Ave. / 541-549-8771 Jeff, Theresa, Ann, Jamie, Shiela, Terri, Shanntyl, Brittany GREAT SELECTION - GREAT PRICE! FURNITURE Each item must cost at least $1. Nee d s? g furnishin 541-549-1621 141 W. Main Ave., Sisters 254 W. 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