CURRICULUM GUIDE
ANIMAL ADAPTATIONS (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students an understanding of the adaptations that animals have evolved with, to survive within our forest ecosystem.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to what an animal and adaptation is and predator and prey concepts.
* Discussion on the needs and adaptations of different animals.
* Introduce a food chain and food web.
* Animal Survival Game that stresses the food chain and survival skills.
ARCHERY (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To teach the students how to safely use a recurve bow as well as teaching them the history behind the sport of Archery.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Brief history on the bow and arrow.
* Safety rules.
* Practical - the students will be able to shoot the bow and arrows at a target.
ASTRONOMY (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To show students how a telescope works, the stars and constellations around us as well as having them find sunspots. This class will also enhance the students experience at night.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction on equipment and space.
* Telescope Lesson, how does it work? Students will get to use the telescope to find objects in the distance.
* Sun Spots - Students will find sunspots and record them.
* Constellation and Star ID with computer programs and "star dome"
* Prepare for night watch, learn about the moon and the stars they will see that night.
CANOEING (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To teach the students a brief history on the evolution of the canoe, the parts of the paddle and how to safely maneuver around Corey Lake.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* History of the canoe and evolution.
* Rules about the canoeing experience.
* Parts of the paddle (and canoe if time permits).
* Practical - students will be able to canoe around Corey Lake.
CEMETERY STUDY (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To dispel some of the mystery, taboo and fear associated with a cemetery. To develop an understanding of the history of the community and expand the students' powers of observation and deduction through questions dealing with: Geography, Science, Art, Math, Social Studies and Language Arts.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to what a cemetery is.
* Cemetery walk with stories.
* Students will fill out a worksheet based on the different subjects mentioned above.
CLIMBING WALL (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: The team cooperation theme, stressed in Group Dynamics, can be taken a step further by utilizing our 32' climbing wall. (extra fee required)
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Go through how to put on a harness, tips on climbing, belay techniques and other safety issues.
* Climb the Wall!
CROSS COUNTRY SKIING (W)
OBJECTIVE: To introduce them to the sport of Cross-country skiing and the skills needed to use the equipment involved.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* History of the cross-country ski.
* Basics about how to use equipment.
* Ski on the trials of Camp Eberhart.
DISC GOLF (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To have a full understanding of the rules, etiquette and safety of disc golf. Students will also learn the history and layout of the course, scoring system and types of throws.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Brief history on the sport of disc golf.
* Safety rules, scoring and different shots used.
* Practical - Students will play our 18 hole disc golf course (# of holes depends on time constraints).
EBERHART QUIZ SHOW (S,W,F)
OBJECTIVE: Save some time at the end of your stay for the Eberhart Quiz Show. This game, played like Jeopardy, gives the students a way to remember and reflect on what they have learned at camp.
EDIBLE PLANTS (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To show the students how to identify and use the many plants around them which are a readily available source of food.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to edible plants. Who discovered these plants, how did they know which plants were edible and which were poisonous?
* Warnings and precautions.
* Identification and edibility.
* Hands-On Activity - students will take out field guides and see what they can find in our forest. We also have a scavenger hunt and a edible plants trail which the students will enjoy.
FOREST COMMUNITIES (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students an understanding of scientific method and show the differences between a deciduous and a coniferous forest.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction on what living things need to survive in the forest.
* Deciduous forest, what is it and the different stages it goes through.
* Coniferous forest, what is it and why there is no stage growth.
* Hike - Students will visit both forest and see how they differ with the use of soil samples,thermometers and basic vision.
FOREST MANAGEMENT (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students an understanding of what we get from our forests, why we need to take care of them and how we can do something ourselves.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction on why it is important to manage our forests.
* Forestry discussion, clear cutting and selective cutting.
* Hands-On, students will go out to the forest and rebuild or work on a certain section of camp using forestry tools.
GROUP DYNAMICS (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To promote group development and co-operation by overcoming obstacles on the group dynamics course.
CLASS STRUCTURE: Elements and activities on our course.
HORSE SCIENCE 1 (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To have the students understand the place of the horse in the food chain and the adaptations made by the wild horse in order for it to survive domestically. The students will also learn how to act around a horse, how to groom a horse and basic safety tips.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Basic terminology.
* Habitat and food chain.
* The horse as prey - defenses and adaptations.
* Behavior, safety rules and grooming.
NOTE: THERE IS NO ACTUAL RIDING IN THIS CLASS
HORSE SCIENCE 2 (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To teach the students about the horse's evolution, food chian and adaptations. To gain experience around and on a horse!
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Horse Science and Riding Intro.
* 1/2 of class rides, other half Horse Science and "meet our horses".
* Opposite of above.
NOTE: TO RIDE THE HORSES, AN EXTRA FEE OF $10.00 PER STUDENT WILL BE ASSESSED. ALL STUDENTS MUST BE ABLE TO RIDE! SCHOOL NEEDS TO PROVIDE 2 EXTRA STAFF (PARENT OR TEACHER) TO HELP WITH THIS CLASS.
INDOOR INITIATIVES (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: Students will build confidence in themselves and trust in each other by working as a team.
CLASS STRUCTURE: Using problem solving skills and teamwork, the group will be asked to complete various tasks and games which build group cooperation, trust and confidence.
JOURNEY INTO ANOTHER WORLD (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students an understanding of the importance of their five senses as well as experiencing nature and the environment with a temporary loss of one.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction on five senses.
* Indoor Activities - taste and feel activities.
* Outdoor Activities - many activities to increase their awareness of their senses.
LAKE COMMUNITIES (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students an idea of what a lake community is with hands-on activities and use of the microscopes for microorganisms. The students will also get an introduction to the ecology of a lake and the food chain.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to the difference between a lake and pond. Discussion on lake succession.
* Habitat and species discussion as well as food chain.
* Sample Collection where students find sample and look through the microscopes.
NATIVE AMERICAN CRAFTS (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students an insight into Native American traditions by having them make their very own Dreamcatcher or other Native American craft.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Dreamcatcher legend.
* Guidelines.
* Practical - students will make their own dreamcatcher or other craft.
NATIVE AMERICAN STUDIES (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students a basic understanding of how the Native Americans of Michigan lived, communicated and recreated.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to tribes in Michigan and types of Indians.
* Discussion on food, family roles and communication the Native Americans used.
* Native American games.
* Native American stories.
NATURE HIKE (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students a deeper appreciation for nature by allowing them to explore for themselves. To instill in them the proper principle of "Leave No Trace" so that they can appreciate nature without taking something from it.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to the hike to set the tone.
* Students will hike to various places around camp, including our swamp deck, to investigate nature.
ORIENTEERING (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students a basic understanding of how to read, understand and use a compass.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to the compass and history behind it.
* Parts of a compass.
* How to use a compass.
* Orienteering course A and/or B.
OWL TREK (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To help students increase their knowledge of and respect for owls. To learn about the importance of owls in the food chain and to learn about their unique diet by studying owl pellets.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to the owl.
* Features and Adaptations.
* Digestive System/Owl Pellets.
* Night time activity - Owl Hunt with tape recorded owl calls.
NOTE: WILL NEED TO ORDER OWL PELLETS AHEAD OF TIME, PLEASE TELL OE DIRECTOR WITHIN ONE MONTH OF STAY. EXTRA CHARGE.
PIONEER LIFE (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give students an understanding of how the early pioneers lived. Students will be able to make things using the same technique used in the early pioneering days.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* What is a pioneer? Introduction to their life and daily work.
* Candle Making.
* Rope Making.
* Pioneer Games.
RIFLERY AND BB GUNS (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To share theory and safety instruction with the students so they will be properly trained.
CLASS STRUCTURE: After instruction, students over the age of 10 years have the opportunity to shoot a .22 caliber rifle. For the younger students, BB guns are available to practice their marksmanship skills.
SNOW-SHOEING (W)
OBJECTIVE: Students will learn the history of Snowshoeing and then be taught the proper way to use the snowshoes.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* History of snowshoeing.
* Brief instruction.
* Snowshoe game and hike.
NOTE: MAX WEIGHT 110LBS.
SURVIVAL (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To teach a basic sense of survival and the difference between needs and wants. Students will be taught to implement fire and shelter building skills in an outdoor situation.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to wants and needs (food, water, shelter and fire).
* Debris hut building.
* Fire building.
* Solar still if time permits.
TOPOGRAPHY (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students a basic understanding of map reading, interpretation and use. After completing this session, all should be familiar with map descriptions, symbols, elevation markings, directions and distances.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to map reading and understanding a map.
* Topography course.
TRACKING (S, W, F)
OBJECTIVE: To give the students a basis upon which they will learn to identify various animal tracks. To show them that they can tell a lot about an animal from the tracks left behind.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to tracking.
* How to tell the difference between the prints and patterns.
* Basic tracks.
* Hike - students will go out to find their own tracks and make plaster casts.
TREE-MENDOUS TREES (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: To introduce students to many of Camp Eberhart's tree population by giving them basic examples of identification. The students will be able to identify different leaves and trees.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to trees.
* Discovering trees - students will be detectives trying to find out what the different trees are. Students are given sheets and books to take on their hike.
TUBING (W)
OBJECTIVE: Students will learn how to safely enjoy the sport of Tubing.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Safety rules.
* Tubing
WETLAND COMMUNITIES (S, F)
OBJECTIVE: By using basic observation techniques, students will understand what a wetland consists of and the difference between a swamp and lake.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Wetland description/Introduction.
* Students are given supplies and a data sheet to record what they find.
* Discovery - students will go to our swamp and discover for themselves on our new dock!
WINTER ECOLOGY (W)
OBJECTIVE: To have the students focus on the amazing change in our natural environment when winter arrives. Students will learn what ecological changes take place and how plants and animals adapt to this chilly time of the year.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to ecology and winter.
* Students will calculate the amount of water on the land.
* Animal adaptations.
WINTER SURVIVAL AND SNOWMOUND BUILDING (W)
OBJECTIVE: In this class we discuss the importance of staying warm in a survival situation and learn how to build a fire, collect water and construct a shelter using what we find in the woods.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Introduction to wants and needs (food, water, shelter and fire).
* Snow mound building.
* Fire building.
* Solar still if time permits.
WINTER TRACKING AND BIRDING (W)
OBJECTIVE: The students will be introduced to basic methods of bird and animal track identification and will then explore the woods to find interesting winter life.
CLASS STRUCTURE:
* Tracking basics.
* Birding basics.
* Hike - students will go out and try to find tracks and birds in the woods or camp area. A bird blind and feeders will be used to observe the birds.
RECREATION OFFERINGS:
* Basketball
* Soccer
* Baseball/Softball
* Kickball
* Sand Volleyball
* Parachute Games
* Frisbee
* Disc Golf
* Ice Skating
* Ice Fishing (own equipment needed)
* Flag Football
* Tennis
* Group Games
* Winter Tubing
* Pillo Polo
EVENING PROGRAMS OFFERED
ASTRONOMY: Providing the sky is clear, students will be exposed to some of the constellations and planets that the night sky has to offer. Perhaps they can see the moon through our 17" telescope. *Enhance this program by taking the Astronomy daytime class!
CAMPFIRE: Always a favorite, the campfires are a great time filled with singing, dancing, skits, jokes and stories. A campfire at Eberhart is a truly memorable experience and a really fun way to end the evening...especially with s'mores!
CAPTURE THE FLAG: This camp classic has the students in two teams searching through the woods and fields for the other teams flag. Put the opposing team in jail or run to try to find the other teams flag, but watch out for those tricky hiding places!
DUTCH AUCTION: A fun team activity where various, random items or skills are called for, E.g. a green sock, a person who can wiggle their ears, the smelliest shoe, etc...
EGG DROP: Students will receive a bag full of random objects (straws, marshmallows, cups, tape...) to make a contraption that will save their egg from being broke when dropped off our balcony. This activity provides the students with teamwork along with science skills to save their egg!
GOLD RUSH: Different teams of students search Camp Eberhart for gold. The team with the most gold at the end of the game is the winner!
MEET YOUR COUNSELOR/TEACHER: This fun and interesting activity starts out by the students in groups asking a teacher or Eberhart instructor questions about themselves. Then the students are given a list of questions that they need to answer without their instructor/teacher there. For example: What is their favorite TV show? This game provides the students with a way to get to know their teacher, adult chaperone or instructor a little more personally.
NIGHT HIKES: More than just a walk through the woods, this session includes games, activities and demonstrations to prove to the students that their night vision can be far better than they had imagined. Students will learn about the parts of the eye and their functions.
OWL TREK: Before heading out in search of this fascinating bird of the night, students will understand what makes these raptors so special. Out on the trail, taped calls are used to try and lure in species such as Screech and Great Horned Owls.
RELAYS: We have many different relay games that we play in our Athletic Field. From your basic team relay to crazy relay games that make the students laugh and cheer on their teammates!
SING DOWN: Another team activity where students perform together, singing the line of a well known song containing the designated word. E.g. "If you're happy and you know it..." or "Happy birthday to you..."
STEEPLECHASE: Written clues are given to the students, which leads them on a course through all the areas of camp. This fun and exciting game has the students figure out riddles and clues to get to the next place.