Mission
Our mission is to provide meaningful learning experiences for each camper by teaching skills and habits of mind that bring campers closer to their natural world, by providing opportunities for campers to develop an appreciation of the natural world, an awareness of the wildlife and natural ecosystems in our area, and a balanced environmental ethic.
Goals
- To challenge and nuture area youth by providing enjoyable outdoor environmental learning experiences
- To encourage an awareness of the human impact on the environment
- To develop within students a greater sense of responsibility and a conviction that individuals can make a difference
- To ensure student participation in hands-on activities requiring imagination and creativity
- To provide students the opportunity to work alongside instructors who are committed to conserving natural resources and protecting the environment
History
Discovery Camps began in 2006, originating from the former Environmental College for Young Leaders (ECYL), which started back in 1990. ECYL was the coordinated effort of a group of Talent and Gifted Coordinators from several local school districts and others committed to environmental education. Luther College began sponsoring and hosting the program in 1991 and did so through 1999. The origingal ECYL program was offered for one week each summer in the afternoons. Discovery Camp expanded on the offeringing to include full day week-long programs for six weeks during the summer. In addition to our summer programs, we have added year-long programming for pre-school aged children, and after school Discovery Clubs throughout the year. Each year we continue to grow while maintaining our dedication to high quality educational programs, focused on the enviornment.
Classes
Classes are open to all students interested in learning more about the beauty and diversity of our natural world. Each week students will participate in two courses designed to engage them in hands-on, discovery-oriented learning about their environment. Courses are divided by age level. Discovery Camp classes may include such topics as ornithology, aquatics, woodland ecology, tracking, painting and drawing in nature, wilderness survival skills, geology, prairie ecology and so much more. In the summer of 2008, we began hosting focus camps designed to focus in on specific concepts and ideas related to human needs and our environment. This summer, 2009, look for our new Survival focus camp, and we will again offer our food focus camp, The Edible Earth. "It's All about Power", an energy focus camp, will return again in the summer of 2010.
Instructors
Highly qualified environmental educators, such as schoolteachers, Luther faculty, local naturalists and area experts, teach Discovery Camp classes. Instructors are hired on the basis of their expertise, commitment, and interest in environmental education. All instructors bring a knowledge and passion for their subject as well as a commitment to experiential learning. In addition, a Luther College student assists each instructor, many of whom are education majors. These assistants ensure a very low teacher-student ratio while furthering their own educational goals.
Vision for the Future
Summer enrichment programs are only the first step in reaching our goals. Luther's Environmental Studies Program hopes to expand environmental outreach programs in the future to include year-round environmental education programs for all ages. Here are some of the other programs we hope to create in years to come:
This vision is all part of plans to create a Center for Sustainability on the Luther College campus. If you have ideas for programs you would like to see or have questions about anything you've read, please contact