Outdoor education programs to be offered in Randolph County
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ELKINS - Second-, fourth- and fifth-grade students from every public grade school in Randolph County will enjoy an "outdoors" door this week.
Randolph County outdoor education and recreation organizations are collaborating to welcome teachers and
students to a day-long program, giving them the opportunity to learn more about recreational areas such as Fox Forest, Stuart Recreation Area, and 4-H Camp Pioneer.
Students will hone their outdoor skills, learn lessons in ecology and outdoor safety, as well as gaining tools for mental and physical health, officials said.
"It's wonderful to see educators and students engaging with nature and learning about wildlife management firsthand," said Danny Bennett, the Natural Resource Program Manager at the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
Students will explore the Fox Forest Wildlife Management Area, located south of Elkins situated along the Tygart Valley River. The area is adjacent to the Elkins Operations Center of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.
For the third year in a row, the local collaborative Randolph County Outdoors has provided outdoor education opportunities. These programs have been expanded with the support of the Randolph County Board of Education, private donors, grants and volunteer work.
For example, last fall, all Randolph County third-graders participated in outdoor days at the Mountaineer Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.
"As we extend this program to include not only fifth-graders but also second-, third- and fourth-graders, I am thrilled to see even more students benefiting from hands-on, outdoor experiences," said Debbie Schmidlen, Superintendent of Randolph County Schools. "These interactions foster connections, create lasting memories, and enhance learning for everyone involved."
This year's program will feature a diverse range engaging outdoor activities, including:
∫ West Virginia University Extension Office will teach watersports safety and nature activities.
∫ Wonder & Grow: Mindful Nature Experience: Guiding West Virginia Animal yoga, shelter building, and providing additional tools for mental health in the outdoors.
∫ Experience Learning: Engaging students in water ecology.
∫ US Forest Service: Leading a birding hike, essentials for the outdoors, and leave-no-trace principles.
∫ Science Behind the Sport: Introducing fundamental STEM principles in the context of sport.
In addition to these partners, many other community organizations will provide session support, including the
WVDEP, Ascend WV, Tygart Valley Master Naturalist, Interact Children's Museum, Mon Forest Towns, Elkins Area Shared Trails (EAST), and members of the Mountaineer Chapter of the Izaak Walton League.
Valerie Hart, COO of Wonder & Grow and Randolph County Outdoors Coordinator, emphasizes the importance of community as part of these essential programs.
"The love of community and stewardship begins by simply stepping outdoors and encouraging our kids to feel at ease in the green spaces close to home or within their own schoolyards. We all recognize that being in nature has a positive impact on our well-being," Hart said.
"Our goal is for students and educators to personally experience this connection and take charge of their health and wellness. Programs like this ignite play and wellness without the need for expensive equipment or travel - there are incredible wonders waiting to be discovered right in our own backyards."
The spring programs are also supported by community financial sponsors, including the Randolph
County Commission, Davis Trust Company, Citizens Bank of West Virginia, and the Tygart Valley Lions Club.
The schedule of events includes:
April 9-11: West Virginia Division of Natural Resources: Elkins Operations Center for second-graders.
April 30, May 1 and May 2: Stuart Recreation Area for fourth-graders.
May 22-24: 4-H Camp Pioneer for fifth-grade students in Randolph County schools.