Welcome to Edwards Environmental Education Program!

Maple Day Flyer

"Thank you for the fun day!  I learned about animals, marshes, water chemistry, and environmental problems." -student from Prairie View Elementary

"I wish that all of our schools would come to Camp Edwards.  The experience is life changing for many students." -teacher from Walker School

Our Mission 
To foster personal awareness and knowledge of environmental communities and ecological concepts and to instill an environmental ethic for all participants.

Camp Edwards offers In-School Programming, Day Trips, as well as Residential Programs for students, pre-k through 12, and teachers. Camp Edwards has a wide variety of ecosystems, lessons, and team building courses that help provide excellent opportunities for learning, positive social development, and interaction among peers and adults. Edwards staff provides lesson plans, materials, and support to help develop your program.
 

Environmental Education Curriculum

  Hands-on activities enhance the classroom studies by taking students outside to experience the natural world. Teachers can create a program choosing all Edwards' Lessons or a combination of Edwards' lessons and their own activities.    Programs combine environmental education, teambuilding, and outdoor recreation to facilitate an educational experience that reinforces what the students have been studying in the classroom. The School Information Sheet is available for viewing or downloading.

If you have not done so already, please download this form, fill it in and return via fax (262) 642-5108, or mail.  This sheet is also available on page 20 - 21 of the Teacher Planning Guide.

Environmental Education 
  Teachers choose from a wide variety of Lessons to facilitate the study of local ecosystems, environmental issues, or concepts. Edwards has a variety of diverse ecosystems such as Lake Beulah, marsh, pond, prairie, pine and hardwood forests, which all provide unique opportunities for students to increase their awareness and appreciation of their natural surroundings.

Teambuilding 
  Students learn the elements of teamwork by completing obstacles and challenges in a fun, outdoor environment. Edwards has two low ropes courses, an eleven-element group initiatives course, and additional classes that promote confidence and cooperation between team members.

Outdoor Recreation 
  Three orienteering courses, two archery ranges, rowboats, canoes, as well as, winter opportunities for  ice skating, and tubing provide numerous outdoor experiences.  Edwards' facilities include courts, athletic fields, and equipment for basketball, tetherball, volleyball, and soccer.

Evening Programs 
  The hours after dinner are a great time to expand the camp experience. Campfires, night hikes, astronomy, or programs featuring raptors, reptiles, and wolves are a few of the possibilities available. Evening activities can be led by Edwards' staff, or schools are encouraged to create their own unique activities.

Environmental Stewardship 
  Students learn about the land while helping care for it with a hands-on approach. Some of these projects may include tree-planting, removal of invasive plant species, improving wildlife habitat, and collecting or planting prairie seeds.

Lakeside Environmental Resource Center 
  Lakeside is an indoor classroom much like a nature center, with nature displays, live animals, and eco stations that facilitate hands-on learning. The learning stations explore flora, fauna, and the earth's working systems. It also houses an environmental resource library. The facility enhances our existing program and complements the opportunities offered.

Planning/Reserving a Visit 
Call for current rates and openings!
  Our EE staff is available to assist with your planning a visit to Camp Edwards. We are also available to do a power point presentation at your school for teachers and/ or parents. Schools planning an Outdoor Education program for the first time are encouraged to take advantage of both of these opportunities. To reserve dates for your school, please contact our office via phone or the email Request for Information. Upon confirmation of your dates, a Use Agreement will be mailed to you.  At that time we would also suggest that you download the School Information Sheet, fill in and either fax or mail to us.

Facilities 
  Residential groups can choose to stay in modern lodges or rustic winterized cabins. Unique Facilities that truly enhance environmental education: three outdoor study stations, indoor and outdoor teaching spaces, an astronomy observatory, compost station, nature trails, outdoor amphitheater, boardwalk over wetlands, large teepee (fall and spring only), and the new Lakeside Environmental Resource Center. The dining hall is very large and can be used for a multi-purpose area.
 

View our Teacher Planning Guide!  It has everything you need to know about planning a visit to Camp Edwards.