ONSC Parent-Teacher Meeting Presentation_2011-2012

A Guide For Parents and FamiliesA Guide For Parents and Families

Residential Field Science Programs at the Ozark Natural Science CenterResidential Field Science Programs at the Ozark Natural Science Center

The Ozark Natural Science Center School Program

Ozark Natural Science Center

479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us

ONSC is best known for 5th grade school excursions:

Immersive, hands-on, experiential learning

NOT a field trip – aligns with state benchmark exams

Overnight – typically 2 days, 1 night (sometimes 3/2)

Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Fayetteville, Siloam

Springs, Berryville, Little Rock, Mounds, Tahlequah

Ozark Natural Science Center – Background

Ozark Natural Science Center

479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us

Private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.

Field science and environmental education.

Founded in 1990 by Ken and RuAnn Ewing.

Has served more than 40,000 children overall.

Will host more than 4,000 children this year.

Overnight programs for school children.

Summer camps, adult and family programming.

Corporate retreats, family reunions, private groups.

ONSC – Location and Facilities

Ozark Natural Science Center

479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us

Rural Madison County between Huntsville/Eureka Springs, northwest Arkansas

Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission – Bear Hollow Natural Area

Satellite office at the Center for Nonprofits at St. Mary’s in Rogers

Campus includes:

Three lodges for up to 68 guests, staff housing

Indoor and outdoor classrooms

Observation deck, eight miles of hiking trails

SAFETY

Direct adult supervision at all times

Wilderness First Aid, CPR Training

Member NWA Air Evac LifeTeam

On-site helipad

Constant field group contact: 2-way radio

Wilderness First-Aid kits with each field instructor

Ewing CentreDining, library, administrative offices

Ewing Centre

Library and Commons Area

Dining Hall

Education BuildingIndoor classrooms and lab

Lewis Pavilion

Other Teaching Facilities

Observation Deck

Stewart Springfield Memorial Outdoor Classroom

Bear Hollow Natural Area

Lodges

Lodging

Lodging by gender

Heated/Air-conditioned

Handicap accessible

Gender-appropriate adult chaperones

Kitchen and Dining

All meals are prepared in a clean, professionally run kitchen facility and include a balance of freshly prepared hot food and a delicious salad bar.

Approach

Hands-on, experiential learning in a natural setting

Sample 2-Day ScheduleDay 1

10:00am Arrival, lodge move-in

11:00 Field Group Orientation & “Mini-hike”

12:00 Lunch

12:45 Natural History Field Investigation

5:00 Dinner

6:00 1st Evening Class

7:00 2nd Evening Class

8:00 Campfire Activities / Night Discoveries

9:30 Return to Lodges

Day 2

7:30 Breakfast

8:00 Morning Field Investigation

10:00 Art on the trail, conservation discussion

11:30 Lunch

12:15 Group photo

12:30 Load Bus, Return to Civilization

Field Investigations

~1 mile trail hikes

Topics include cultural history, mammals, tracks and scat, plants of the Ozarks, hydrology, geology, and trail art.

Staffing: 1 ONSC Teacher Naturalist: ~10 campers: 1 extra adult from school

Campfire and Night Discoveries

Songs, stories, and discussions around a crackling campfire followed by a moonlight forest investigation – the highlight of most campers’ trip!

Teacher Naturalists

Have a minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in the natural sciences

Wilderness First Aid and CPR certified at a minimum

Experienced, professional, and passionate

Live onsite during programming

Undergo full background checks

The Ozark Natural Science Center Team

Ozark Natural Science Center

479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us

24 team members

Includes Teacher Naturalists, or field staff

Background: aquatic resources to zoology

“Teachers in an outdoor classroom”

Training and certifications in first aid, CPR, wilderness first aid, swift water rescue

Specialty areas, research and publications

Unique teaching styles and approach

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Preparing for Your Child’s Visit

What to Pack

Several pencils

Reusable water bottle (no bottled water – we can provide a water bottle if you don’t have one)

Poncho or rain gear

Weather appropriate clothing (Layers!)

Long pants (no shorts allowed)

Closed toed, closed heeled shoes

Hats and gloves (cheaper than hand warmers!)

Sleeping bag & pillow or sheets and blankets

Towel and washcloth, toiletries

List is included in parent handouts from teachers.

Optional Items

Cameras (labeled with camper’s name)

Lip balm / chap stick

Please Do Not Pack:Commercial bottled water (Dasani, Aquafina, Sam’s)

We can provide a water bottle if needed

Umbrellas

Electronic devices (of any kind).

Knives of any kind

Candy, gum, soft drinks, or snacks

Flashlights or headlamps

Jewelry, makeup, or aerosols

Rolling luggage is discouraged

Chemical hand warmers are discouraged

List is included in parent handouts from teachers.

Forms

Medical Information Form

Prescription and over-the-counter medications

Please note: allergies and dietary restrictions are different and handled separately

Responsibility Statement

Media Release Statement – please sign so your child can be included in the group photo

Please complete and sign all forms in full!Please complete and sign all forms in full!

completecomplete before campers can participate in before campers can participate in anyany ONSC activity. ONSC activity.

Medications

Place all over-the-counter and prescription medications in a zip-lock bag in their original containers. No loose pills please!

Carefully write name of medication with detailed dosage instructions on a card and place it in the bag.

Please label the bag with the child’s name.

Please ensure that your child is familiar with their medications and routine.

Support ONSC/Getting Involved

Ozark Natural Science Center

479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us

Call of the Wild (April 21, 2012)

Membership/Gifts (www.onsc.us)

Corporate retreats & partnerships

Summer camps and family programs

Volunteer through ONSC Corps

Speaking engagements

New schools!

Needs list on website

Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not.” (Dr. Seuss – The Lorax)

Contact the Ozark Natural Science Center

Ozark Natural Science Center

479.789.2754 • www.onsc.us

1905 Madison 1305 • Huntsville, AR 72740

479-789-2754 • www.onsc.us

Website (www.onsc.us)and blog

Facebook: Ozark Natural Science Center

Group: Ozark Natural Science Center

@OzarkNatSci