Outdoor Program

Environmental Education

Many of our science classes take advantage of the campus's proximity to the Wissahickon woods. During the fall, Lower School students build a "bug hotel" in the woods for various insects after studying their behaviors and habitats. With our very own campus beehives, students also learn to collect data, study behavior, and even taste the honey produced from SCH bees. 

These studies continue for our Middle and Upper School science electives. In SCH’s Upper School pharmacology elective, students experiment with various types of honey to see which is most effective at killing bacteria and compare results to known antibiotic drugs—like penicillin and streptomycin. 

Lower school outdoor program

Lower School students participate in a wide range of outdoor learning experiences through SCH's Outdoor Program, led by our Outdoor Program Director. From hikes in the Wissahickon Valley to bike rides, rock climbing, and overnight adventures, students build confidence, resilience, teamwork, and a deeper connection to the natural world through hands-on, experiential education.

One of the program's signature experiences is the biannual trout project. Students conduct water-quality tests and habitat surveys in the Wissahickon, raise trout from eggs in their classrooms, and release them into the creek each spring. Additional outdoor education experiences include visits to Hawk Mountain Sanctuary, the Philadelphia Rock Gym, and family camping trips that extend learning beyond the classroom.

OFF-CAMPUS TRIPS

Each Middle School grade level begins the school year with an overnight trip, returning a little bit wiser, stronger, and ready to take on the school year. Students have visited Camp Kweebec, Echo Hill, and the Pocono Environmental Education Center, to name a few!

In Upper School, at the start of the school year, all 9th grade students participate in a challenging five-day Outward Bound expedition that encourages student bonding and builds self-confidence. Outward Bound has more than fifty years of experience, and our partnership with them ensures that the program is an intentional, safe, and dynamic experience.

Interested in more? Read a few blog posts from Head of Upper School Matthew Norcini about the Outward Bound experience.

Maple Tree Tapping

Outdoor Education Stories

Today, our children have more digital distractions competing for their attention than ever before. SCH's Outdoor Program immerses our students in nature. Here, they leave virtual things behind and engage in hands-on experiences. Our students take time to focus their attention on the world and people around them in a setting that nurtures open eyes, ears, and minds. With quality time spent in nature, our students learn to become good stewards of the land. Together we will build an ethic of caring and respect for this resource that is theirs to protect and maintain.

JAMIE LAMENT
Outdoor Program Instructor

Jamie Lament, Director of the SCH Outdoor Program

OUTDOOR EDUCATION VS. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

While both outdoor education and environmental science share a connection to the natural world, they have distinct focuses and goals. In essence, outdoor education is about experiencing and connecting with the natural world, while environmental science is about understanding and protecting it.

However, there is overlap. Outdoor education often incorporates elements of environmental science to enhance understanding and appreciation of the natural world. Similarly, environmental scientists often benefit from firsthand experience in the outdoors to inform their research and problem-solving.