Items of Interest
Hawthorn Leadership Transition Plan
2007-08 Building Organization Charts

Hawthorn's Outdoor Education Program

April 30, 2008

Brief History

For more than 30 years, Hawthorn students have experienced a program we call Outdoor Education. Each November for the past many years, our 6th grade students have taken part in this extended field trip, which has historically involved a two-night overnight stay in a facility offering access to outdoor learning opportunities.

For years, Hawthorn used the George Williams College Campus in Lake Geneva. In 2005, George Williams discontinued the program. Hawthorn then moved to Camp Edwards YMCA facility in East Troy, Wisconsin.

Literally generations of Hawthorn students have taken part in this program, and know it to be a memorable experience. The most commonly cited benefit is the opportunity for students to stay away from home. This allows students to grow in independence, expand life skills, and build interpersonal relationships through the social aspects of the trip.

Questions

However for the past several years, questions have arisen about the overall value of Outdoor Education Program in its current form. In 2003, community and school board members who witnessed the program in action were concerned about the educational benefits versus the risks involved with such a program. The school board at that time requested and received a more rigorous Outdoor Education plan, including learning goals that align with our general curriculum, as well as additional preparation and follow up requirements.

Perhaps the most compelling question relates to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students. When it comes to the Hawthorn Outdoor Education program, no one can disagree with the commitment of our staff and volunteer chaperones when it comes to keeping our students safe and out of mischief. However that task alone is formidable.

Consider the medical needs of our student populations. Our school nurses report that it takes days of preparation to gather the medicines and supplies needed to handle even day-to-day student needs with regard to daily dosages. The situation is compounded by the fact that they must be ready for anything that may crop up during this three-day outdoor event.

Value of Experiential Learning

While those are some of the frequently voiced concerns with regard to the Hawthorn Outdoor Education Program, we are very aware of the positive impact of experiential learning. In fact, Hawthorn teachers have developed numerous learning units that involve day-trips to our forest preserves, museums, arts events and more. Hawthorn remains committed to providing the most effective, appropriate and well-rounded education possible.

April 28 Presentation

On April 28, 2008, our Middle School principals provided a brief presentation outlining the history and their main concerns surrounding the Outdoor Education Program in its current form. The April 28 presentation was preceded by public comment, which included comments favorable to keeping the Outdoor Education Program. You may request a DVD copy of this and all recent board meetings by contacting the District Office at 847-990-4200.

Path Forward

Hawthorn's primary recommendation is that the program be discontinued at Camp Edwards. Camp Edwards has proven less satisfactory than our previous facility. In addition, the middle school principals recommend that a committee of teachers explore the situation and recommend alternative educational experiences.

Keep in mind that Hawthorn teachers and administrators are involved in a continuous evaluation of all of our curriculum and programs, including Outdoor Education. Our staff members are dedicated to creating learning experiences that are effective, engaging and appropriate.