Outdoor and Environmental Education

Local Resident Programs

When experiential learning and a residential outdoor setting are combined, it is often a student's most fond memory of their school career!

In addition to helping students develop positive personal relationships with fellow students and teachers, students take part in activities that develop conceptual, communicative, and computational skills, and discover the ecological relationships between humans and the natural environment through the intensive exploration of diverse habitats. A one- or two-night residential experience is available at both of the Nassau BOCES Environmental Centers:

Brookville
Although centrally located in Nassau County, the 20 acres of land at this site provide a remote feeling to the students who stay overnight during a tenting program. In addition to participating in activities offered during day programs, students participate in all aspects of tenting -- setting up tents, food planning and preparation, fire building -- providing additional opportunities for teamwork.

Caumsett
The 1,600 acres of this state park provide a unique combination of diverse natural habitats for student exploration. Students stay in the former "summer cottage," where the second story has been converted to dormitory housing. Tenting is also available at this site.

Program selection
In addition to each site's day programs, the activities below may be selected for evening or early morning activities:

1. ASTRONOMY
Following a brief introductory presentation, students explore the evening sky through the use of star charts and telescopes. They locate constellations and hear and share the legends associated with these stars.

2. BIRDS
This program exposes the students to the feathered inhabitants at each site. Avian structure, function and adaptation will be stressed. (May be used as a pre-breakfast activity).

3. EXPLORATORY HIKE
This pre-breakfast program is a brisk walk designed to "wake-up" the students with fresh air and exercise.

4. NOCTURNAL AWARENESS AND NIGHT WALK
These activities are designed to help students become more comfortable in the nocturnal world by increasing their familiarity with its sounds and smells, as well as with the wildlife that is generally active.

5. SOLO WALK
This activity is designed to enhance the sensory awareness of each individual through exploration and experiences while in the natural environment at night.

6. ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES (Caumsett)
Students will better understand the many sides of important environmental issues when they assume the roles of special interest groups and express their concerns at a "town meeting."  A student task force will preside over the meeting and decide the outcome.

Contact:

Outdoor & Environmental Education Program
enviroed@mail.nasboces.org
Phone: (516) 396-2264
Fax: (516) 333-6432