Ohio Conference
United Church of Christ

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Nature's Classroom

What is Nature's Classroom?

A Day at Nature's Classroom

Registration and fees

Curriculum

Staff

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Map to Templed Hills and Pilgrim Hills

Future Nature's Classroom student born on May 11:  Erin and Andy Lumpkins welcomed Bridget Abigail at 9:42 p.m. on Monday, May 11.  She weighed 8 lb. 14 oz. and is 19" long.  Baby and parents are doing well.   Photos

Nature's Classroom provides the opportunity for effective out-of-classroom learning experiences at Pilgrim Hills Camp, Brinkhaven, Ohio, and Templed Hills Camp, Bellville, Ohio.  

Nature's Classroom students and teachers sleep in fully-winterized lodges and cabins at Pilgrim Hills and Templed Hills.  Meals are served in large dining rooms and prepared by a full kitchen staff operating out of completely-equipped restaurant kitchens.  

Bathroom and shower facilities are modern, heated, private and clean.

Cabin at Pilgrim Hills Camp

Deck behind dining hall at Pilgrim Hills Camp

Nature's Classroom

Investigating the outside world while 
supplementing the school classroom . . .

During a night hike at Nature's Classroom, the leader will strike a match 
and ask your students, 

"Is this the brightest match in the world?"

To eyes already accustomed to the dark, it will certainly seem so.  But was it?  The experiment goes on by striking a second match.  To eyes now adjusted to the brighter light, it certainly will seem less brilliant than the first.  Thus is completed a learning experience in human physiology.

But there are really several lessons in this match experiment.

• developing language skills (Was it the "brightest match" at that time?)

• critical thinking skills (What does each student think about the match?)

• learning to reach one's own conclusion

• what did others in the group think?

• learning to make decisions acceptable to the group

That's how it goes at Nature's Classroom.  Using nature and natural things to delve into science, mathematics, history, self-esteem and community building.

Click on one of the links below to find out more about Nature's Classroom, 
call us at 1.330. 554.8572, or email Director Erin Lumpkins at nc_director@yahoo.com.