Graduate Outdoor Education
This specific emphasis is designed for a multitude of professionals that have interest
in teachers, mental health professionals, individuals in ministry, or anyone who wants
to more effectively use God's book of nature in their specific career programming.
Generally, the classes and field experiences involve examining, evaluating, developing,
and implementing outdoor education programs. Activities such as canoeing, kayaking,
backpacking, and rock climbing are included as part of many of the courses, but they
are not the primary focus. Students can complete their coursework for the degree in
three to four semesters and may choose from two attendance options outlined below.
These intensive sessions are designed for outdoor professionals who need to continue
working while enrolled in classes. To accommodate the schedules of such professionals,
each semester requires attendance of a 12-day intensive, with additional projects
and/or assignments to be completed individually in an outdoor setting after the session.
Participation in these intensive sessions represents a commitment to nature-based
learning in its many forms and is an opportunity for students to test their skills,
knowledge, desires, and career goals. Students in this attendance option need to have
access to some kind of outdoor facility/school in order to complete any assigned field
experiences.
The summer field school attendance option is designed for K-12 teachers who would
like to use nature-based learning to enrich their classroom curriculum. It is recommended
that students attend summer classes over the course of three consecutive years in
order to complete the degree. Some participants may elect to do independent study
or an internship as part of their coursework. Independent study allows students to
develop outdoor units of study within their own classrooms; alternatively, internships
allow students to network with outdoor professionals in their home community.
How Can I Use This Degree?
At its core, outdoor education is about incorporating a nature-based curriculum
into a more traditional education setting. This can be applied to a broad range of
grade levels and subjects to increase student’s awareness of their world, their social
interactions, and how they can apply the learned skills to the broader world. The
adaptability of this degree and the classes offered provide the adult student the
opportunity to personalize their degree to their unique classroom requirements. Specific
classes are offered in forest kindergarten, K-6, and 7-12 grade concentrations allowing
for teachers to choose what version of the class would best for their current or future
needs.
Outdoor education focuses on building leadership skills for the adult student
and effective means to teach leadership skills to others through non-traditional education.
Whether nature learning happens at a summer camp, or use in a sermon to better illustrate,
having the background of nature-based learning will enhance anyone striving to show
God’s love in their ministry of choice. Whatever form of ministry the student might
find themselves in, this degree will help them incorporate God’s First Book into their
mission. A background in nature-based learning helps enhance methods of communication
by expanding the ways lessons can be taught; using nature as a part of ministry expands
one’s scope beyond the church building.
Mental health professionals often strive to find different and unique ways to
bridge the gap between therapy and the outside world. Having a background in nature-based
learning has been shown in research to prove a benefit to clients as a "back door”
approach to therapy. By having the client experience trust exercises, and possibly
mildly stressful or anxiety-producing events in nature, they can better learn to modify
their reactions and this can translate into therapeutic benefits long after. Outdoor
and Adventure-Based Therapy is covered in the required class EDOE 593 and the electives
of EDOE 535/536 which would help focus this degree toward a therapy concentration.
As the leader of a camp or nature center who is interacting with and educating
the public on a daily basis, this degree would assist in developing new educational
programs and incorporating nature-based learning into ministry and play. Many camps
run outdoor education programs during the school year for religious and non-religious
schools. Having a background in nature-based learning could prove beneficial for developing
these sessions to either lead or direct others to carry them out. This degree's focus
on developing leadership skills would also prove beneficial to a student either currently
in a leadership position or who hoped to have such a position in the future.
Many other outdoor professionals who specialize in specific Adventure or Outdoor
activities may find themselves needing more training in the educational side of their
work. This degree would help enhance their leadership and instruction skills and provide
experience creating educational lessons to enhance the adventure activities. Providing
educational elements, whether it be academic or practical and technical skills, to
outdoor activities enhance what the public takes away from the experience and provide
a variety of learning experiences.
Occasionally, alternative intensives will be held in a study tour format. In the
past, we have conducted Geology study tours visiting various national parks such as
the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Zion and the Grand Tetons to study Earth's origins
as it applies to science and religion. We also visited the Petrified Forest National
Park and Yellowstone National park to study geology.
Another tour we have recently done is a History and Social Studies tour in the greater Washington DC area that includes visits to museums, Williamsburg, VA and Gettysburg, PA. Centered around Washington Adventist University's campus, this trip covered the interpretation of natural and historical resources and provide outdoor education methods in history and social studies in the District of Columbia.
Another tour we have recently done is a History and Social Studies tour in the greater Washington DC area that includes visits to museums, Williamsburg, VA and Gettysburg, PA. Centered around Washington Adventist University's campus, this trip covered the interpretation of natural and historical resources and provide outdoor education methods in history and social studies in the District of Columbia.