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Outdoor EducationCurriculum and Class Choices
An important feature of the Friedenswald program is the option to select your own classes. We encourage schools to utilize only one Friedenswald staff person to teach up to five sessions per day. However, we offer instructor-friendly lesson plans for a number of classes to help prepare teachers and chaperones to teach a larger variety of classes. Class sizes should be limited to a maximum of 15 students. Class descriptions include a listing of the appropriate seasons during which the class may be taught, the main concepts covered, and state standards being met. All classes last 1 hour. Please note that some classes have a minimum age requirement.
Class Descriptions
ArcheryStudents practice the basics of a skill used for thousands of years for survival and sport, with a brief look at its history.
Barriers & Bridges Initiatives CourseOn their journey through alligator infested swamps, over boiling peanut butter pits and across acid rivers, students develop better cooperation, leadership and problem-solving skills. Depending on the students’ ages, activities become progressively more difficult and complex.
CanoeingLearn to canoe on our 90 acre lake while looking for turtles and fish. Also review important boating safety rules, with a brief look at the history of canoeing.
Cross-Country SkiingStudents enjoy the winter woods while practicing a type of winter transportation which has been used for hundreds of years.
FishingLearn basic skills for cane pole fishing. Identify local fish, understand laws and have fun. We will provide living and non-living bait for the squeamish. Catch and release is practiced.
Frisbee GolfA great activity "fore" your class. Groups play together from "hole" to "hole," trying to hit the numbered trees with the Frisbee. Even the rookie can play and have fun.
Nature NeighborhoodsAnimals live, work and play in "neighborhoods" just like we do. Students learn about the different natural "neighborhoods" at Camp and the families of animals that live there. Students will learn how "neighborhoods" and the animals that live there change over time.
Nature JournalingStudents learn basic techniques of scientific observation of their surroundings through the use of a journal. With guidance, the students go outside and explore the world around them by drawing, writing and formulating questions.
Michigan History: The PioneersDuring an overview of the local area history, students are introduced to various elements of pioneer life. They also experience a taste of pioneer life by making their own rope and hand-dipped candles with methods that early settlers used.
RecreationDo your students need a stretch of the legs or have a little energy to burn off? This time of wild and crazy games is perfect. Activities range from basketball to carnival-type games. We can make it an hour that everyone will enjoy.
RoadblockCan you work as a team and follow the clues? This "Amazing Race" activity will require brains, brawn and probably a little silliness to finish. Learn about the natural world as you complete your journey.
SensesStudents use their sense of sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste to explore their surroundings. Through games and interactive activities they consider the importance of senses in making discoveries about the natural world.
It's a Small WorldStudents capture, observe and explore the miniature habitats of the soil and pond, getting a bug's eye view of life. Using magnifying glasses, students discover a world seldom seen or noticed that contains great variety.
The Three R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle)Students find out how fun recycling can be as they create paper with their own personal flair by adding flowers, leaves and other items. Students gain an understanding of the importance of conserving our resources.
Web of LifeStudents are introduced to local wildlife. They have the opportunity to observe birds up close at our bird feeders and learn about how different animals fit into the food web through a wide variety of games and activities.
Who Goes There?Students create their own guide to animal tracks and practice observation skills through playing games and hiking the Unnatural Trail. They become detectives as they search outdoors for clues about the identity and habits of animals through the signs they leave behind.
Wild Health Food StoreStudents examine a variety of wild flowers and other plants useful as food and medicines and share in the preparation and enjoyment of food made from wild plants. Students also learn about plants that are better left alone.
DemonstrationsScience standards are available upon request. All classes are led by Camp Friedenswald staff. 1 Hour Demonstrations (up to 45 students) AdaptationsStudents investigate the diversity of adaptations that enable plants and animals to survive and reproduce in certain habitats. They look closely at the range of adaptations found in birds and insects through direct observation and a large simulation game.
What's Bugging You?Students explore the fascinating world of "bugs," how they survive and what they do in the winter. This class engages students with live and preserved insects from our region as they interview the different types of "bugs."
Fish BanksLet your landlubbers take charge of a fishing fleet off the East Coast. Making money is the game, but as they will find out, conservation often leads to bigger profits in the end. This computer simulation allows groups of students to make decisions about their fleet.
Owl PelletsWhile working in pairs, students dig into a sterilized owl pellet (not poop, more like a hair ball). We use this as a springboard to look at predators, prey and the food web. We also discover birds as the perfect predator.
Real Cool AnimalsWhere do snakes, frogs and others go in the winter? Get up close and personal with reptiles and amphibians, find out their strange ways of living life to it's fullest.
Survival Game (up to 120 students)Students take on the roles of animals in their struggle for survival and come to a new understanding of the impact of human activities on the natural world during this exciting simulation game. Please note that this is a whole group activity (30-120 people) and will be led only by Friedenswald staff. This activity lasts 1.5-2 hours.
Evening Activity OptionsCamp Friedenswald is able to provide a wide range of evening activities that are led by Friedenswald staff. Each evening activity lasts one hour. Teachers and chaperones are asked to be present at all evening activities. Astronomy: Students learn about stars, constellations and other features of the night sky.
Dutch Auction: Cabin groups compete in a crazy and exciting indoor personal scavenger hunt that encourages creativity and cooperation.
Group Games: Students participate in a variety of new and unusual cooperative and competitive games. (e.g. Capture the flag, Native American Games, Moth & Bat…..)
Night Hike: Small groups hike to different areas of Camp to experience the outdoors at night and discover what animals are active and how they cope with darkness.
Popcorn Campfire: Students enjoy popcorn made in a huge kettle over a roaring fire, sing songs and listen to stories in the shelter of the Hollow.
Scavenger Hunt: Students test their knowledge and explore the natural world by finding items on a list and answering questions.
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