Top 5 Things Students Learn at Science Camp (besides science!)

1. Teamwork
It’s true, some of our classes specifically focus on teamwork and leadership rather than science. This is the case with our Team Building class as well as Laser Tag, Theatrics, and Balloon Drop Challenge. However, even many of our science classes, such as CSI and Environmental Engineering, use science projects as a catalyst to improve teamwork. After all, a good scientist needs to work well with their colleagues in order to finish their research.

2. Goal-Setting and Progress
In Heights & Balances class, students are taught about S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Timely) goals and are required to write one in relation to our climbing experience. Then, they get to work toward their S.M.A.R.T. goal by ascending the Pine Climb to their desired height. Target Practice is another class that naturally lends itself to setting and progressing to goals as students aim at archery and slingshot targets. In fact, every outdoor education class has an objective that students are challenged to work towards. The Art of Science has the goal of creating artwork out of natural objects. Balloon Drop Challenge has the goal to work with your teammates to avoid popping your water balloon. Environmental Engineering has the goal to cook a s’more with a solar oven. Nature Science Investigators has the goal to find one object on a hike to intently observe. When students want to see and experience the final objective, they will make it their personal goal to put in the work.

3. Service
This fall, students at Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp collectively cleaned up over 2000 pieces of litter! The top litter-picking teams got to choose one adult who had to dress up in our penguin costume for the final day of camp. That’s just one of the ways we make responsibility and service fun here at camp. Curriculum such as our Food & Waste presentations get students involved with composting, recycling, and helping each other out. Additionally, 7th-12th grade students who attend our Leadership Camp can get further involved with a service project.

4. Character
For many students, getting out of the typical student environment means getting out of their comfort zone. The camp experience in and of itself can be an incredible character-building experience! At Pine Valley, we foster this experience to further grow character in a positive way through our nightly Super Science. After students have had an hour of self-led study about the evening’s character topic, we all gather together to illustrate those character qualities with HUGE science experiments! Furthermore, for Christian schools, each of our classes includes a spiritual life application for how students can connect the class topic to a Biblical lesson.

5. Outdoor Appreciation
Pine Valley is a unique location that many students (and even many adults!) might not be able to see anywhere else. Despite its location in bustling Southern California, Pine Valley Outdoor Science Camp is surrounded by hundreds of acres of the Cleveland National Forest, yet is conveniently accessible just off of the Interstate 8. While all of our classes and activities incorporate at least some elements of the natural world around us, to further explore the area, sign up for classes such as Nature Science Investigators, Geology, or The Art of Science, all of which include a short hike as part of the curriculum. Or take a guided hike during Afternoon Activity Time or a Night Hike after dark! These activities are sure to allow students to opportunity to better understand and grow their appreciation for the outdoors.