Resources
Outdoor education with Lutherhaven helps build in young people a greater appreciation for the inter-relationships that exist in nature and within each other.
We give students, teachers, and parents the rare opportunity to learn in the classroom of our natural world where they experience first hand our forests, mountains, flowing waters, snow and ice.
In the company of caring mentors, gifted teachers, and good friends, children and adults alike are motivated to learn and apply that learning in the course of targeted hands-on activities. Some proven take-aways from Outdoor Education:
- Personal and civic responsibility
- Skills for understanding and addressing environmental issues
- Knowledge of environmental processes and systems
- Questioning and analysis skills
- Communication, problem-solving and relationship-building skills
Resources
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Important Documents
Program Liability Release Form
Dietary Restrictions Information Sheet
Behavior Expectations for Students
OE Adult Leader Information Sheet
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For Teachers
We look forward to serving you and your students in the great outdoors. An outdoor education experience at Lutherhaven is a phenomenal way for teachers to get to know students better, see them in a different way and build a great community.
Teachers are the essential link between Students, Parents and OE Staff.
Students, staff and seasoned educators agree, teacher participation is intimately related to student success at Lutherhaven Outdoor Education. During an Outdoor Education session, teachers are an integral part of the program’s operation and function. The outdoor education staff is excited and prepared to lead outdoor lessons and campfire programs and manage student discipline. But because teachers know the students best, we count on their support, advice, and guidance in our efforts to build relationships with outdoor education attendees. Teachers’ endorsement of and participation in activities motivates students and legitimizes their involvement. Creating such shared experiences in natural places prepares instructors to integrate the outdoor education time at camp into classroom-based follow-up.
We look forward to building a customized trip for you and your students. We are confident that we can meet your curriculum goals and help to enhance the sense of community upon your return. Please contact us with any questions and to set up your trip today! Upon booking, you will receive all of the necessary trip planning documents and/or you can find them here.
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For Parents
We are thrilled your child is going to experience Outdoor Education with us! The information here will help you and your child prepare for their time at camp.
Your school is offering your child an educational experience in the outdoors through Lutherhaven Ministries’ Outdoor Education program. Lutherhaven has run this popular and acclaimed environmental education program for over 35 years. Some parents of school kids attending Outdoor Education today also attended a Lutherhaven outdoor education program when they were students.
Our programs take place at Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone Mountain Retreat up the North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene River. Your child’s teacher will send home information about which camp their class will be attending.
Since 1980, more than 50,000 middle school and elementary students have learned to better appreciate their natural world and one another through this day and overnight outdoor school. Our program emphasizes experiential and interdisciplinary learning in natural places.
Outdoor Education with Lutherhaven provides a unique opportunity for students to develop self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and social responsibility. The opportunity for new friendships and the spirit of cooperation make your child’s time at one of our camps a growing, learning, memorable experience!
Your child will be safe and cared for with us. Students are supervised at all times by their cabin leader, one of our trained professional staff, or their teacher. Our staff are trained in first aid and emergency response. We will contact you if your child experiences any health problems while at Outdoor Education.
Groups provide two adult chaperones for every ten youth, at least one adult of the same gender per sleeping space. Adult chaperones must be cleared by a state- or nationally-recognized background check. Schools must submit a letter from a school administrator on school letterhead certifying the background checks of adults attending the program.
It is not unusual for some students to miss their families and homes for the first few hours at Outdoor Education. You can help prepare your child for their time away from home by communicating your enthusiasm and excitement. As students overcome homesickness, they build confidence, independence, and positive memories of individual and shared experiences.
Outdoor Education is a once in a lifetime experience your child will always remember. The learning and excitement shared with friends and classmates is often mentioned by students as a highlight of their school year. Thank you for helping the Outdoor Education staff and teachers make this the best possible experience for your child!
Staff
Our college-age and post-college 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. They are especially excited to work with middle-school students, but love mentoring any age student!
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.
Accommodations
Students stay in heated cabins or yurts with bunk beds. Our food service staff prepares awesome, well-balanced meals. Food allergies should be noted on your child’s registration form and will be relayed to our cook prior to the trip.
Phone
There are no phones available for students. For emergencies, call (208) 667-3459 during the day, or (208) 765-5832 during the evenings. In case of an emergency at camp, we will contact you. Please do not send a cell phone or other electronics with your child.
Health Information
To help us provide a safe and enjoyable experience for your child, we require the medical form distributed by your child’s classroom teacher, with your child’s current health status and any medications they are taking. In the event we need to reach you, we need your contact information, what to do if you are unavailable, and the name of your insurance carrier.
Clothing
Please follow the clothing checklist. Proper clothing for the seasons is essential for your child’s comfort and well-being. Older but serviceable clothing is best. We urge you not to buy new clothing or equipment. Space is limited. Please send only one duffle bag or suitcase and a sleeping bag. For detailed information, please refer to our packing list below.
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Packing List
Packing List for Overnights
Winter Sessions
Pack for Cold, Snow & Wet!!
Spring & Fall
You might get wet, and it might be cold! Plan on being outside most of the day and into the evening. Pack warm clothing. Layers of clothes are a great idea. Cotton clothes stay wet.
What to Bring
- Sack lunch for first day
- Water bottle
- Sleeping bag or 2-3 blankets and sheets
- Pillow
- One pair of pajamas
- Outdoor boots/shoes (Snow boots for Winter Sessions)
- Extra pair of shoes
- Daily change of underwear
- Multiple pairs of socks (Bring more than you’ll think you’ll need!)
- Warm, waterproof jacket
- Sweat shirt/s
- Hat (Winter Sessions: All campers must wear a hat while outdoors)
- Scarf (optional)
- Gloves or mittens (Winter Sessions: Snow gloves)
- (Winter Sessions: Snow Pants)
- Long pants
- Long sleeve shirts
- Toothbrush & toothpaste
- Bath towel & washcloth
- Soap & shampoo
- Comb or brush
- Lip balm
- Flashlight
- Pencils (3)
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Swim suit (if applicable)
Do Not Bring
- Cell Phones
- Music players
- Electronic games
- Weapons or look-alike weapons of any kind: knives, axes, guns, toy guns, bullets, archery equipment, etc.
- Matches
- Fireworks of any kind
FAQs
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What if it rains?
Lutherhaven’s Outdoor Education program typically happens in the spring and fall, the “rainy” season here in the Inland Northwest. Days can be sunny and warm, but rain can also be in the forecast. Fortunately, rain usually does not affect our program. Since rain can happen any time, be sure to have your child bring a raincoat to Outdoor Education. An extra pair of shoes is nice to have in case one pair gets wet.
And, don’t forget snow in winter! Our programs go outdoors rain, snow, or shine, so dress for the weather.
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What is the food like?
Great! Our kitchen staff has had years of experience cooking for students. A vegetarian option is available at every meal and special dietary needs are always accommodated. Be sure to contact us with any questions about dietary needs because of food allergies, and note these on your registration form, too.
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Does my child get to take showers?
Yes. Showers are located in the cabins and rooms or in a nearby newly renovated bath house. Some parents like to send along a bathing suit for their child to wear in the shower.
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Will my child be in a cabin with his or her friends?
We cannot guarantee that your child will be in a cabin with his or her friends, as the rooming assignments are ultimately up to the school. Generally though, they are with 2-3 of their friends, but also with others so they can make new friends.
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What kinds of animals will my child see?
Camp is home to deer, moose, raccoons, hawks, rabbits, banana slugs, and many insects smaller than the eye can see. We very rarely see bears, and there are no poisonous snakes in our area.
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What happens if my child has a problem at night?
Adult cabin leaders sleep in the cabin with your child and his or her cabin mates. Students can wake their cabin leaders in the event of a problem or emergency. Additionally, teachers are on-call in a nearby cabin and are available to assist with an emergency. Our professional Outdoor Education staff are also on-call 24 hours a day to respond to a serious medical situation.
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What should my child bring?
Refer to the packing list noted above for any questions about which items to bring.
This experience really impacts some of our students who have a difficult family life. They are so excited to be given the opportunity to experience 'family' and what it means for others to look out for you.