Teambuilding
1 or 2 blocks, 4th grade- adult:
(Also known as "Low Ropes." This is a misnomer - most of the elements/activities in Teambuilding have no ropes involved.) Students will be given a series of problems or tasks that they must solve as a group. Often the only way to complete the task is by using every member of the team. Each team is unique as to what strengths they possess and what areas they need to work on, so the facilitator sets the goals and situations for each individual team to ensure a challenge with success. After each element or activity the facilitator will "process" the group. Processing is the act of talking about the last accomplishment in order to discover the strengths and weaknesses of the group and to keep improving skills as a team. Emphasis for this class can be placed on trust, communication, listening and leadership skills, strategic planning, cooperation and sharing of ideas.  This can be a 1-block or 2-block activity. 2 blocks will allow for greater progression of the teambuilding process.

Climbing Wall
1 block, 4th grade-adult:
Although individually challenging, the Climbing Wall is an excellent extension of teambuilding. Each student is responsible for setting his/her own goals, but it often takes the entire team to show support and encourage one another to meet his or her goals. We have two basic philosophies at The Outdoor School: 1) "Challenge by Choice" is the philosophy that each person sets his/her own challenge.  Although no one can force a person to meet his or her goal, with encouragement students can often go further than they believe that they can. 2) "Universal Respect" is the philosophy that all people deserve respect. No one has the right to be disrespectful with cutting or belittling remarks - if a student doesn't meet his/her goal, the team becomes instrumental in helping that student reset the goal.

High Ropes Course
1 block, 5th grade-adult:
While the High Ropes Course can be done alone, it is a wonderful extension of the Climbing Wall. Our philosophies used with the Climbing Wall still hold true for this activity as students are faced with the continuing challenges of height and goal-setting.

Challenge Course
2 blocks, 7th grade-adult:
This course is for older students who wish to expand on the basic ropes course experience. While the Climbing Wall and High Ropes Course are included in this activity, we also include the Zipline and the Power Pole. (If you choose this activity, you do not need to choose the Climbing Wall and High Ropes Course, as they are included).

Kayaking
1 block, 4th grade- adult:
We are fortunate to be situated on Lake LBJ so that we can give students the opportunity to learn the basics of kayaking. This class covers basic strokes, entering and exiting the boat, as well as some river dynamics. Weather and ability allowing, we like to take the students on a kayaking "trip" along the edge of the lake or to a canal across the lake.

Archery & Fishing
1 block (1/2 block each), 4th-7th grades:
Archery: Students will learn how to safely fire a bow and the proper technique of shooting. The history of the bow and arrow and how it has evolved across the centuries can also be explored.
Fishing: Students will learn about the species of fish that live in Lake LBJ, the parts of a fish, how to correctly hold fish, and how to bait their own fishhook.

Beginning Compass Course
1 block, 6th grade- adult:
For beginners who may have a limited or no knowledge of compasses we offer a course that introduces the compass. This course includes basic function and parts of the compass and allows students to experience our "in-camp" compass course. This course is best for 6th graders and higher functioning 5th grade students and older students.

Orienteering
2 blocks, 7th grade- adult:
This course is for students who have already been introduced to compass work. It involves accomplishing two different compass courses. Students will first review basic usage of the compass and practice their skills on our "in-camp" course. Next, the students will learn how to create their own bearings using a topographical map and experience our "wilderness" orienteering course. This course covers approximately 50 wooded acres and the students will explore it in teams. Long pants and sturdy shoes required!

Outdoor Skills
1 block, 4th- 6th grades:
This is an introductory class that teaches students basic skills in the outdoors. Students are introduced to "S.T.O.P." (Stop, Think, Observe, and Plan) as a means for survival in the woods or anywhere, and the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. Putting together a survival kit and learning how to properly build a fire are integral parts to this activity. Roasting marshmallows cooked on their fire is often the way we conclude this class!

Survival Skills
2 blocks, 7th grade-adult:
This course is designed for older students. Following the "Leave No Trace" philosophy, focus can be placed on survival situations, basic compass work, shelter building, wilderness first aid, fire starting, water finding, and edible plants. Survival scenarios given to the students can help them decide what they should do in a certain dire situations.  Group problem solving tasks issued to the students with limited supplies helps students work on group communication skills and develop leaders as well as followers.

Wilderness Campout
2 blocks & 1 Evening Activity, 7th grade- adult, group-size restrictive:
No experience is quite like the one of spending the night under the stars. Students will hike out to their campsite in our backcountry, led by an instructor who will share knowledge about edible plants and native animals and lead experiential games designed to learn more about the natural world. Students will cook their dinner over a fire, enjoy a campfire and s'mores, and watch the stars. This activity is meant to provide a unique overnight experience that promotes confidence, teamwork, and natural awareness in a wilderness setting. We have two campout sites, so we can take two teams of fifteen in a night. You will need to consider how many students you have and how many nights you are staying to determine if this activity is feasible for your group.

Natural Science Courses

3-2-1 Contact Earth
1 block, 5th and 6th grades:
This class focuses on the study of geology specifically the processes of weathering, and erosion and. Students briefly review/learn the rock cycle and the three major types of rock (igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary). They then move to the intermittent creek bed for outdoor laboratory work to examine rocks in nature. Instrumentation includes sand sieves, soil taps, rock hammer, field guides and rock samples.

Critter Collection
1 block, all ages:
Students will be introduced to the three most commonly found types of "critters" on our property (insects, arachnids and "multipedes"), and then will go out and physically collect them. They will then search through field guides in order to identify what they have caught, label it, and classify it. Other activities include looking through microscopes to view specific parts of insects (antennae, eyes, legs), and identifying what is in our own insect collection. Instrumentation includes collection nets and jars, field guides, our own insect collection and microscopes and slides.

Water Quality Studies
1 block, 5th -7th grades: Students will be introduced to a brief history of Lake LBJ and the concepts of cleanliness and water conservation. They will then perform physical tests on the water of Lake LBJ in order to determine the health of the lake. Some tests include (but are not restricted to): pH, Turbidity, Nitrates, Temperature, and a Mmacroinvertebrate dig. Students will be asked to think of ways that they can help conserve this very precious natural resource. Instrumentation includes test kits, microscopes, and D-nets.

Reptiles
1 block, all ages:
Students will experience the various types of reptiles through the handling of resident reptiles and performing other experiential activities.  They will learn about the unifying characteristics of reptiles as well as the unique characteristics within each order of reptiles. Identifying different kinds of reptiles, including venomous ones, and understanding what part they play in our ecosystem will also be covered.

The Green Machine
1 block, 4th-6th grades:
Students will understand the need to prolong the life of our resources and to reduce waste by reviewing the 3 R's: reduce, reuse, and recycle.  They will make connections between the materials we use, how they are used, what resources made them, and how they are disposed of.  Students will identify components of backyard composting, as well as building a worm bin.  They will also be introduced to more environmentally friendly alternatives and learn to exercise good decision-making skills as consumers.

Birds in Flight
1 block, 4th-6th grades:
We've all wondered what it would be like to soar through the skies like a bird; this class focuses on the function of flight, the structure that allows for flight, and the unique characteristics of birds that enjoy flight. Adaptive characteristics required for survival and reproduction will be explored. Students will attempt to identify some of the native species of birds in the area by sight and/or songs.

Cool Things in Nature!!!
1 block, All ages:
Students and instructor will explore camp property and discover the abundant plant life, animal life, and physical features of The Outdoor School. This class offers up the opportunity for instructors and students to enjoy all the teachable moments our property has to offer. Instructors will strive to make connections between Cool Things in Nature and other classes that the students have participated in during their time at The Outdoor School. The primary goal of this class is to instill a healthy curiosity in students about the natural world around them while encouraging students to observe, ask questions, and explore.

Acres of Life (This course is only offered in the spring.)
1 block, 5th grade - adult:
Students will look at the biodiversity of life here at The Outdoor School. Using a sixteen-foot-square plot, students will look at the number of species, distribution pattern, species density, and relative density within that plot, and then make inferences about The Outdoor School as a whole. Also introduced is the food chain and how well the ecosystem here at The Outdoor School sustains life.

It's All in the Family (This course is only offered in the spring.)
1 block, 6th grade- adult:
Students will look at several species of native wild flowers in order to identify characteristics unique to each family. Species will vary depending on what flowers are currently in bloom. Students will become familiar with a simple dichotomous key and will be asked to focus on scientific inquiry in order to determine the various characteristics of each plant and/or family.

Social Science Courses

Living Off the Land
1 block, all ages:
Students will be introduced to several different native plants and animals that were used by the Tonkawas and other local tribes. They will learn unique and interesting ways that the Native Americans used these plants and animals for food, medicine, shelter, tools, and clothing. This class is full of opportunities to taste some of the food and/or make some of the objects that the Native Americans did. We have a teepee set up at the location for teaching this class, and are looking forward to building, over the next few years, an Native American village with additional teepees, shelters, fire rings and drying racks.

Stepping Back in Time
1 block, 4th- 6th grades:
On our property, we are fortunate to have the original log cabin built by the Noble family in 1851. We use the Noble's cabin and family history as the backdrop for this class. Focus is placed on the reasons that people moved west and technological changes since 1851. This is one of the most hands-on classes we offer and activities include: planting and working in the garden; exploring the process in building a log cabin; using a two-man saw, and caring for farm animals.

Diggin' History
1 block, 5th and 6th grades:
Our archaeology class simulates a dig for ancient artifacts from prior civilizations. While using the various tools archaeologists employ to unearth objects from a dig site, students can investigate how scientists hypothesize about and make inferences about what they find. Students can also explore what future generations might conclude about what our society leaves for others to discover.

Cultural Exchange
1 block, 4th-6th grades:
We sometimes hire staff from other countries and this is a great way for your students to be introduced to another culture.  Students will analyze the similarities and differences in culture between the US and the current staff member's home country.  They may be introduced to native games, crafts, and legends.  Please check with us to see of this class is being offered before choosing it!

Mathematics Courses

How Tall is That Tree?
1 block, 6th grade:
This class focuses on geometry and relationships in order to determine the height and age of a tree. The properties of an isosceles right triangle are learned/reviewed and used in order to determine height.  Proportional measurement is also explored to determine height. Students will also look at the age of a tree using the rings and circumference. Instrumentation includes triangulation devices, protractors, tape measures, and rulers.

Language Arts Courses

Nature Journaling
1 block, all ages:
Students will focus on different forms of writing: scientific, stories, and point-of-view. Beginning with scientific writing, students will use their senses to explore the descriptive, factual, and objective words and phrases that can be used in order to convey meaning, much like Lewis and Clark did in their journals. Each student will find a place to sit alone and write about a specific object that they discover (a cactus leaf, a tree, a fox hole), to practicing scientific writing. Using the object described in the first section, students will then write a story based around that object (a legend about the spines on the cactus leaf), exploring different ways to convey meaning - this form of writing does not have be descriptive, factual, or objective, as with scientific writing. Lastly, students will again use that object, but will give it a point-of-view (how the cactus feels about having spines on its leaf). Students are asked to share some of their writing with others in the class.

Off-Site Trips

Enchanted Rock,
4 blocks, 7th grade- adult, group-size restrictive:
At Enchanted Rock State Natural Area there are many activities to explore. Depending on your group size, our staff can lead groups through the "wild" cave at the park. We can lead the class in a geology tour of our granite surroundings or interpret the fragile ecosystems of vernal pools and coexisting ferns and cacti. The chances of seeing abundant wildlife here are also high. History has many tales to tell in this park, it was one of the last places in the area that the Native Americans kept as a stronghold. Going through the cave is time-consuming, so we ask that if you have more than 60 students you plan on more than one day for this activity.  Please note transport is not included in the cost of our program.  Please ask for busing details for off-site trips.

Wild Caving
2 blocks, 6th grade- adult, group-size restrictive:
This off-site adventure allows students to learn about speleology the adventurous way! Using helmets with headlamps, kneepads, and elbow pads students will crawl through a cave in Austin to accomplish an "insider's" view of the area's limestone solution caves. This challenging activity promotes teamwork and communication in addition to being a good experiential science lesson. We can take only fifteen students at a time into the cave, so if you have more than 60 students, we ask that you plan on more than one day for this activity.  For traveling time purposes, this activity is best done with Rock Climbing (see below).  If you wish to do Wild Caving only, please contact us for details.  Please note transport is not included in the cost of our program.  Please ask for busing details for off-site trips.

Rock Climbing,
2 blocks, 6th grade- adult, group-size restrictive:
For older students who may have already experienced climbing walls, we offer the extra challenge of true rock climbing. This off-site adventure provides a supportive atmosphere in which students can challenge themselves to meet goals as rock climbers on area limestone or granite. Safety is first for this activity. All participants will wear harnesses, helmets, and climb only "top ropes" that our experienced staff has set and double-checked. This is a time-consuming activity, so if you have more than 60 students, we ask that you plan on more than one day for this activity.  For traveling time purposes, this activity is best done with Wild Caving (see above).  If you wish to do Rock Climbing only, please contact us for details.  Please note transport is not included in the cost of our program.  Please ask for busing details for off-site trips.

Night Activities

Astronomy
1.5 hours, all ages
This class focuses on the night sky. Students will be taken on a "constellation tour" exploring the different constellations visible during that time of year. Instructors are familiar with interesting facts and/or different legends and myths revolving around these constellations and share them with the students. Students will also have the opportunity to look through our telescope and view heavenly bodies more clearly - our favorites include Jupiter, Saturn, and the Orion Nebula, depending on the time of year. If the moon is full and thus "hiding" other objects with its light, more time will be spent on moon studies.

Games, Campfire & S'mores
1.5 hours, all ages
Do you want to give your students a "mini-summer-camp" experience? We have a blast with such activities as a scavenger hunt, relays, and brown-bag-skits. Our creative and talented staff has a huge pool of ideas to utilize in creating the perfect games night for your students, no matter what the age. And what better way to end the evening than making s'mores over a campfire?

Night Sensory Activities
1.5 hours, 6th grade-adult, group-size restrictive:
This activity is designed to help students become comfortable in and adapt their senses to the dark. Activities such as the smell game, drawing in the dark, and the noisemaker game illustrate to students how nocturnal animals utilize their senses in the dark. The solo walk is a great way to address night fears and how to deal with them. If you are going on a campout, these activities are included in that program. This activity is easier to do with a smaller school, but if you are interested and are a large school, we can certainly discuss options. 

Organized Sports
1.5 hours, all ages
We have basketball, tennis, pickleball, and volleyball courts, as well as fields to play soccer, football or throw a frisbee. We can organize a real game for you (like Ultimate Frisbee or Soccer) or just set out the equipment and let the kids play around while we supervise. This is a great way for them to burn off some of that excess energy, and gives them a chance to play a little. Remember that if your school is swimming, that will be during their free time, so this gives them a chance to enjoy the other recreation we have to offer.

Movie Night
Approximately 1.5 hours, all ages
This is a great option if you would like a quieter, less active night. We have both indoor and outdoor facilities for watching a movie on a big screen, so we can watch no matter what the weather. We ask that you provide your own movie (DVD or VHS) so that you can ensure that the content is appropriate for your students. We have one set of projection equipment, so this option is on a first-come, first-served basis.

Dance
Approximately 1.5 hours, 7th grade-adult
Your students will be encouraged to dance the night away with their peers and TOS instructors alike-of course, teachers are welcome to join in as well!  We'll provide the DJ and the music (screened for content, of course!) and you provide the students. We recommend having at least fifty students in your group for this activity to be a successful one. We have one set of DJ equipment, so this option is on a first-come, first-served basis.

School Programming
We have a number of facilities available to you if you wish to do some programming of your own in the evenings.  There is a large temperature-controlled meeting room, amphitheaters, outdoor covered pavilions, campfire rings, and plenty of outdoor space!  Let us know as soon as possible if you wish to do this, as facilities are limited.

Note: We can incorporate s'mores cooked over a campfire along with any evening activity, except Astronomy.  We can only offer s'mores once during your stay.

Teacher Retreats

Children aren't the only ones who can learn and play at The Outdoor School!  We can design a special teacher retreat for your school. Retreats typically involve either a day or overnight trip to The Outdoor School to experience activities like Teambuilding, the Challenge Course, Astronomy using our 8" telescopes, and good ol' fashioned s'mores by a campfire! Please contact us for more information.