Striving to teach 5th grade students about the unique environment of Southwestern Pennsylvania
In 1971, Roy P. Fisher had an idea for an environmental camp. That year he instituted a five-day/four-night experience for students at Hutchinson Elementary School. It was such a success that two years later all five elementary schools within the Laurel Highlands School District began to attend the program. Recently, the Outdoor School has been changed to a three-day/two-night experience as the costs for the students, schools and district have skyrocketed. The number of students attending yearly has averaged between 230 and 250 students.
In the spring of 2018, the Community Foundation of Fayette County awarded a grant to the Laurel Highlands Outdoor School. The grant supported the continuation of the program, which teaches them character building experiences and the importance of teamwork. It also gives them the opportunity to get close to nature and investigate what makes up their home environment.
“It is important to know that the project has been successful because of administrative and teachers support. We enjoy a great relationship with our host the Jumonville Training Center. We are pleased that they continue to welcome the program back yearly,” said Bob Walters of the Laurel Highlands Outdoor School.
Over the past 45 years, almost 12,000 students have participated in this program. For further information, please e-mail robert.walters@lhsd.org.
