Curriculum and Programs
Our curriculum and programs are designed to take full advantage of our 1,150 acres. We believe all students can enjoy learning through guided exploration and supportive communities with a foundation built upon our core values.
Environmental Sciences
Water Ecology
In this lesson, the participants will learn both physical and biological characteristics of the pond community. Samples are collected and studied first hand. Participants work in small groups using equipment such as hand lenses, dip nets, and collecting pans to search for organisms. Field guides are used for identifying the students' discoveries. The concepts of community and its components in the freshwater habitat are stressed. An alternative aquatic study is offered at the stream. Physical features are examined such as speed of flow and temperature and then related to the organisms that live there. Collections of stream insects through use of seining nets and strainers can help students examine the health of that natural community as biological indicators. (Choice of this in addition to Pond Ecology allows a comparison of physical and biological differences.) Stream velocity may also be calculated in this class as well.
Forest Ecology - with or without Outdoor Math Concepts
The different forest habitats lend themselves well to discovering the what, why, and how of the forest. Participants observe physical factors of the forest - temperature, light, wind, moisture, soil type, shade - and their effects on forest life. A study of the life of a forest floor, the exploration of a rotting log, comparing a soil sample from the forest to that of the field, all help students realize the uniqueness of a forest community. Similarities and differences are noted between deciduous and coniferous forests. Finding signs of animals in the forest will introduce food chains, food webs, and reinforce the concepts of community and interdependence. (Older students may go beyond basic concepts and use dichotomous keys to examine tree types and understand the value of tree as a renewable resource.) Calculating number of trees on our 1000 acre property and other outdoor math used in Forestry may be included in this class as well.
Wildlife Studies
The diversity of habitats at Greenkill allows for a wide variety of wildlife. The participants will be able to observe some local wildlife through actual sightings and animal signs during structured activities. In our education center, participants have hands-on experiences through the use of a collection of native animal furs and skulls. The concepts of predator-prey, populations, adaptations, or herbivore/carnivore can be covered, and are used to show interrelationships which cause changes in a community.
Ornithology
This lesson will focus exclusively on birds and their unique adaptations. As mentioned earlier, Greenkill’s habitat is very diverse which lends itself to a diverse population of birds as well. Participants will be able to observe some birds and their behaviors and hopefully be able to get a nice view of different parts of their anatomy. Interactive games/activities will supplement the absence of birds; the Kruger Observatory is available to watch birds in shrubs or feeders as well as binoculars that are available. The class can also focus/touch on migration and/or birds of prey.
Geology
This lesson will include a hike that can cover many geological concepts. Stops along a pre-designated route can further the students understanding of sedimentation, erosion and deposition, rock formation, glaciations, structural geology and the formation of fossils. Participants become actively involved in understanding certain geological processes through demonstrations.
Environmental Topics
If you choose this lesson for your participants, they will participate in an activity that teaches them about an issue facing the environment today. The activity will be designed by the individual naturalist and be centered on one of several issues. All activities will be presented with a "hands on" approach. Concepts presented will be based on facts rather than opinion and will be reinforced by games. Topics may include acid rain and its cause and effect, the gypsy moth and its effects, alternate energy forms, wildlife/forest management or solid waste. All of the participants in your group may or may not deal with the same issues.
Tracking
Taking advantage of most participants’ natural enthusiasm for tracking animals, we will lead, or better yet, they will lead us on our expedition through the forest. Not only will participants be able to identify tracks of common forest creatures or examine walking patterns but they will be detectives in discovering the daily challenge of animal survival, the search for food, the chase of prey, even the flight of a bird. By discovering evidence of wildlife, we can see the forest come alive in our imaginations.
Winter Ecology
Participants will take advantage of the snow, ice, and low temperature to learn about the changes the physical environment and living organisms undergo in winter. The exploration of this season’s ecology may include: where animals go or how they survive, the pond beneath the ice, plant adaptations, physical properties of snow crystals, or pH concentrations in ice and its effect on the environment. Ice fishing may also be included in this class and is dependent on if pond is frozen to at least 6 inches.
History
Living with the Land with Environmental History
Transported back in time to a small cabin in the woods without electricity or running water, participants experience life, as it would have been for pioneers and early settlers in the 19th century. Groups participate in hands-on activities from building a fire to warm the cabin or cook over, to making roof shingles, or learning to use hand tools including the two man crosscut saw. Throughout the time spent at the cabin, comparisons and contrasts are drawn between 21st century lifestyles and the one inhabitants of the cabin would have known. Participants begin to acknowledge the advantages and disadvantages of living in both eras and to identify changes in land use ethics and economic impacts. Along with the pioneer cabin participants explore the remains and signs of a hundred year old abandoned homestead, reclaimed by the succession of nature. They also look at stone walls and its history and the history of other old foundations found here on the property.
Native American History
Participants visit a small re-created campsite of the Lenape Native Americans. They examine the daily life of this woodland tribe, from their wigwam shelters, to food collection, to customs and recreation. Participants are made aware of their simple but adequate lifestyle and their respect of the environment.
Maple Sugaring
During the maple sugar season, February to late March, Greenkill taps its "sugar bush" to collect the sweet sap of the sugar maple. Participants identify sugar maples, may tap a tree, and help bring in the sap to be boiled down. Indian legends and pioneer history of maple sugaring are a part of this activity, as well.
Pioneer Crafts and Renewable Crafts
Our craft programs are designed around the philosophy that our ancestors lived closer and more carefully with their environment. What may seem to be crafts to us were necessities to them, whether it was the bread they baked or the candles they made. Also, we offer simple craft projects that use recycled materials and teach students how to use materials instead of throwing them away.
Toy Making
Groups that come to Greenkill may choose to make Appalachian folk toys. Participants use hand tools such as coping saws, drills, c-clamps and sandpaper to make wooden toys applying the same method pioneer children would have utilized. Some of the projects that are made include climbing stars and Jacob's Ladders. Basic hand tool use and safety are stressed and demonstrated by the Naturalist before the project is begun.
Pretzel Making
Nutrition is an important consideration today in our country of highly processed food. During pretzel making, participants will use basic natural ingredients, learn about nutritional value, and discuss the process of bread making and the nature of yeast as a living organism. The fun and creativity involved, as well as the good taste, make this activity enjoyable for the participants.
Papermaking
To stress the solid waste crisis we face, participants can be involved in hands-on recycling through the reproduction of paper. The process of recycling is demonstrated, while the values of reducing and reusing are discussed.
Plastic Bag Art
Students will take standard plastic bags and make objects such as coin purses, wallets, flower pots etc. This craft will also potentially teach students the basics of sewing. Schools/students are encouraged to bring their own bags which will allow them to re-use the product; Greenkill can provide all necessary materials if need be.
Decoupage
Students will use empty glass bottles and decorate them with pieces of paper to make vases, pencil/pen holders, etc. Schools/students are encouraged to bring their own bottles and/or magazines (or other paper); this will allow a more tangible way to see the ability to re-use products. Greenkill will supply all materials if need be.
*Please note: schools may bring extra bags, bottles, magazines, etc and “donate” them to the program for future use.
Outdoor Skills
Map & Compass
This activity will familiarize participants with topographical maps and the use of a compass. Math will be an integral part of this unit specifically discussing degrees of a circle or geometric shapes. Participants may determine their pace length to estimate distances or practice use of the compass by mapping out geometric shapes.
Orienteering
For participants who have completed Map & Compass, the learned skills can be put to practical use by orienteering a course through the forest or bushwhacking with a compass from a bearing determined from the map.
Survival
This activity will place participants in situations where they can develop basic survival skills. They must work as a group to "survive". The prioritization of basic needs is stressed. Participants are also introduced to signaling methods, wild edibles, and how to build shelters and fires. Though participants may never face this type of survival situation, they are involved hands on and this class encourages teamwork and critical thinking skills. A cookout lunch can be combined with this in spring or fall as well as a mountain hike to enhance the experience.
Camping Skills
This class is offered in an attempt to build a stronger land-use ethic in those who use the woods for recreational hiking and camping as well as teaching specific skills. How to pack backpacks, choose a site, pitch tents, build fires and dispose of waste with minimal impact on the environment may be included.
Cross-Country Skiing
Participants will be instructed in the proper use and technique of cross-country skiing. Following, they will be led on a beginner’s tour through meadow trails beneath snow bent juniper trees. Advanced tours are available for older groups. Tours may be included with ecology classes. Greenkill supplies all equipment.
Snow shoeing
Participants will learn the skills needed to move quickly over deep snow with "shoes" 10 times the size of their own! Feel what it was like to be a trapper moving through winter snows years ago. Greenkill supplies snowshoes.
Teambuilding Elements
Challenge Education
These courses are designed to allow individual participants to challenge themselves to go one "step" farther than they feel comfortable. This is accomplished in a supportive atmosphere emphasizing peer encouragement with a goal of building self-confidence. This program may be limited by age, group size and additional costs.
Low Elements and Teambuilding Initiatives - All Grades
Participants of all ages as well as adults can participate in this teambuilding activity that can last from 1 hour to 4 hours. Using a combination of non-competitive tasks, participants have to use ideas, teamwork skills, and communication in order to solve a problem or complete a task. These initiatives can either be physical or mental or a combination of both. The low elements course uses built structures to help participants realize their potential as an individual and as a team.
Climbing Tower/Wall - 5th Grade and older
At "Thorne Mountain", participants are faced with a 30-foot tower with 3 separate climbing surfaces of increased difficulty. Teacher/chaperone assistance is required for supervision during the activity.
Low Ropes Course - 6th Grade and older
A ground level replica of the high ropes, the low ropes course provides a personal challenge through various elements without the height or harness element. This course provides a good combination of group support & personal challenge.
High Ropes Course - 7th grade and older
Participants traverse through 6 elements while on a rope belay. Ascending on a ship’s mast to about 35 feet, the participants pass over a two-line cable walk, a log catwalk, a grapevine rope crossing and the burma loop bridge, before descending on a 225' zip line. The “Leap of Faith” element provides an added challenge to the descent. This activity requires participants to draw on their physical, but more importantly, emotional strength and they are rewarded with an intense sense of personal accomplishment. There is an additional charge for groups participating in high ropes.
Other Activities
Specials - Educational and Recreational
These are free choice activities that students select, depending on offerings and their interests. The staff offer classes based on their interests and special expertise. These activities may include gardening, new games, art, bird watching, or wildflowers. These "specials" also give the students a chance to be with other children not in their regular group, as well as a chance to make their own choices. Teachers are encouraged to offer specials, as well. These are strongly suggested for schools that are in attendance for 4-5 days.
Canoeing
Water safety equipment and techniques are stressed so that the sport is safe and enjoyable. Students will learn the proper means of entrance and exit as well as paddling techniques for controlling their direction of travel. Of course, the importance of the life jacket and proper conduct are stressed for safety. This activity is conducted with our certified lifeguards. All students must participate in an orientation before canoeing is offered. Teacher assistance is required to assist in supervision and lookout ratios to meet standards.
Choice Time
These activities are offered by the Greenkill Staff, and may include games, hikes and crafts in which the participants pick their choice. Choice time occurs each day at 4:30pm. During the months of April-June and September-October, canoeing if chosen as an activity will be scheduled during these times.
New Games
Fun and active games that allow for large or small groups to interact with each other in a non-competitive and safe atmosphere.
Evening Activities
These activities are offered by the Greenkill staff.
Night Awareness
Students will learn about different animal adaptations that allow them to thrive at night as well as human biological adaptations such as night vision, heightened senses, etc. These fun activities are conducted in the dark, as walks to specific locations where students participate in activities. This class can be separated to be specific to either nocturnal animal adaptations or the human sensory awareness listed above.
Astronomy
Learn about the stars and constellations either by being outside or using our digital planetarium.
Campfire
Let the Greenkill program instructors entertain with song, skit, stories, etc.
Dutch Auction
A fun and engaging activity in which groups race to earn the most points by using creativity, ingenuity and luck to impress the instructors.
