Children surrounded by rustling autumn leaves were immersed in the hands-on task of constructing bug snugs – their faces lit up with excitement.
Armed with sticks and leaves gathered from the outdoor surroundings at School of the Cathedral in Homeland, students collaborated in small groups, discussing and planning their bug hotels. Laughter and animated chatter filled the pavilion as they worked together to create imaginative structures, each as unique as the students themselves.
Their enjoyment was palpable as the fifth-grade class explored the natural materials, their hands getting slightly dirty in the process. The joy of being outdoors was evident in their smiles and the occasional glimpse of a student eagerly sharing a new discovery with classmates. The fresh air and the opportunity to interact with nature added an element of fun that might have been missing in a traditional indoor setting.
Spring 2023 marked the grand opening of the outdoor education pavilion at School of the Cathedral, a project funded by a cathedral ball event held in June 2022. Complete with Wi-Fi and ambient lighting, the learning hub demonstrates a commitment to blending outdoor elements with the teaching environment.
Various classes, led by enthusiastic teachers including Freddie McCall, utilize the outdoor education pavilion as an extension of their classrooms. The pavilion accommodates diverse subjects, fostering engagement and observational skills across different grades. The flexibility of the sign-up sheet system allows any class or grade to take advantage of the outdoor space, encouraging teachers to integrate the pavilion into their curriculum as often as they see fit.
“It teaches them the value of being quiet and teaches them how to be present, because there’s just more to pay attention to,” McCall explained, highlighting the pavilion’s role in academic learning and social skill development.
The pavilion becomes a hub of educational exploration, sharing the perspective of students such as Angelo Belen and Ryland Test, who find outdoor learning more enjoyable and exciting than traditional indoor activities.
“I feel like it’s a lot more fun because you get to go outside in fresh air, and most of the activities outside are fun,” said Angelo, as he ventured out for leaves and sticks to build a bug snug.
Moving beyond regular classes, the pavilion plays a key role as a community space. Julie Basco, director of admissions and enrollment, points out the importance of using the school’s 25 acres for outdoor education and encourages clubs, Boy Scouts, and the broader community to actively use the pavilion.
The pavilion, a project spearheaded by Principal Rosanna Czarnecki, stands as a clear symbol of the school’s dedication to fostering both academic and spiritual growth in students.
Czarnecki said, “Our mission mirrors the outdoor learning pavilion very nicely because we can be in nature and closer with God,” adding that it allows for another layer of learning.
Czarnecki said the School of the Cathedral plans to adapt the pavilion for year-round use, ensuring students can continue benefiting from outdoor education.
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