Outdoor Education
“Quality outdoor learning experiences for students, teaching a greater awareness of and appreciation for the natural world and each other.”
We have a simple goal: we want “no child left inside!” We are committed to helping every student come to a Lutherhaven outdoor education experience and enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer.
Today, over 3,000 students from more than 30 regional public and private schools participate in a Lutherhaven Outdoor Education program each year, joining these early explorers in journeys of wonder, adventure and group-building at one of our two sites: Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone Mountain Retreat up the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River.
Towering mountains, shining lakes, leaping salmon, curling rivers, bubbling creeks, bounding elk, and purple meadows of “camas weed,” these natural wonders astounded Lewis and Clark when they traveled through the area we now call “north Idaho.”
Under the fir trees and beside crystal waters, through field studies that combine science and group-building elements, our trained Field Naturalists help to turn on the switch for those amazing “light bulb” moments that occur through guided discovery and hands on experiences.
NEW! Join Lutherhaven for Pre-K Nature Day! Fall 2024 Date TBA.
Join us on April 25, 2025 for Creation Day!
Program Overview
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About the Program
Committed to Excellence in Outdoor Learning!
Lutherhaven has been helping young people adventure and learn outside for 70 years.
Our Outdoor Education programs provide public, private and home school groups with engaging, hands-on sessions taught by knowledgeable instructors so that students go home with a better understanding of our natural world, equipped with skills in communication, group dynamics, problem solving, math, science and goal setting. The trip is also a great way to build a stronger school or classroom community.
Some schools come for a day, but most overnight one, two or more nights. Every program is customized to meet your classroom and student learning objectives. Our classes are tailored to meet your curriculum needs and are also being revised to meet Next Generation Science standards.
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What We Value
Quality
We’re committed to providing the best learning experience for every student, listening to teacher and parent feedback to continuously improve the quality of our programs.
Outdoor Learning Experiences
We’re committed to “no child left inside.” Something lasting and healthy happens when a child encounters the outdoors. We believe the best learning occurs when the heart, head and hands are all engaged through natural outdoor experiences.
Teaching
We’re committed to providing the best staff instructors in the Pacific Northwest: servant-leaders who believe passionately in what they teach and safely care for each student.
Greater Awareness of and Appreciation for the Natural World
We’re committed to helping students exercise their sense of wonder to strengthen their understanding of inter-relationships in the natural world.
…And the Inter-Relationships within Each Other
We’re committed to helping students develop personal character: a deep sense of appreciation for the uniqueness of each person, a respect for one another, and a growing desire be a leader and give more than receive. Students also learn interpersonal skills such as communication, trust and positive peer interactions.
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Locations
We have two amazing sites available for our Outdoor Education Program.
Camp Lutherhaven
Fall, Winter, & Spring Outdoor Education Programs
Camp Lutherhaven was founded in 1946 on Lake Coeur d’Alene and has grown into a regional and national year-round retreat center, summer camp and outdoor education center with low and high challenge courses, lakefront access, 30-foot “un-tippable” Voyageur canoes, an archery range and more! Located just fifteen miles from the city of Coeur d’Alene and just off highway 95, Lutherhaven is an outstanding choice for outdoor education groups looking for an easy location to drive to. Lutherhaven provides a welcoming, comfortable lake-side facility for groups up to 200.
Learn more about Camp Lutherhaven.
Shoshone Mountain Retreat
Spring & Fall Outdoor Education Programs
Lutherhaven has operated Shoshone Mountain Retreat since 1998. The former US Forest Service Center is located in Shoshone County north of Kellogg, Idaho at the confluence of Shoshone Creek and the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River, about an hour from Coeur d’Alene. Shoshone Mountain Retreat is the perfect place for a group looking to really get off the beaten path.
Shoshone Mountain Retreat has a spacious lodge that sleeps up to 80 people, three 18-person cabins, meeting rooms and a dining hall; surrounded by 2 1/2 million acres of National Forest.
Learn more about Shoshone Mountain Retreat.
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Our Staff Team
Our field instructors are committed to our program’s mission: “Quality outdoor learning experiences for students, teaching a greater awareness of and appreciation for the natural world and each other.” Their backgrounds and training includes the natural sciences, environmental stewardship, and team-building. All of our OE staff are trained to work with any audience regardless of age or other demographics.
Classroom teachers from your child’s school attend and serve as a link between school and home, and often student parents come as adult mentors and cabin supervisors.
All staff undergo professional training specific to our facilities and programs, and staff and parent volunteers undergo federal and state background checks.
Have Questions?
For more information about Outdoor Education at Camp Lutherhaven or Shoshone Mountain Retreat, contact:
Kate Preudhomme
Outdoor Education Coordinator
(208) 667-3459 x117
outdoored@lutherhaven.com
This is the second year I've brought the leadership group from our school. The value of Lutherhaven's Outdoor Education program is ten times what it cost! I have students who told me this was one of their most memorable experiences as a fifth grader. The students use what they learned outdoors to what is being taught and learned in the classroom. Make your reservation now!
