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Outdoor SchoolOutdoor SchoolCamp WaskowitzCamp Waskowitz

Highline School DistrictHighline School DistrictTips for inclusion of Special Needs Students with Tips for inclusion of Special Needs Students with

Physical ChallengesPhysical ChallengesWinter 2009Winter 2009

Compiled by Bill Iwen, PTCompiled by Bill Iwen, PTSpecial Services DepartmentSpecial Services Department

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Key Points to keep in mind:

• Communication is the key to success!!• Communicate with Camp staff a student’s needs as

early as possible to explore ways to support them in their Outdoor School experience. Be sure to include communication with Special Administration staff well in advance regarding additional staff/supports (i.e. special transportion) that may be needed!

• Camp staff can assist some with students (i.e. transporting students to lookout site when hiking

is not feasible, assigning appropriate high school helpers to assist a student, provide some limited supervision/alternate activity in camp)

but cannot be “in charge” of their program.

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Key Points (cont.)• Plan to attend weekend training for 6th grade teachers (other

staff may attend as needed).• Consider having students/staff attend one day session (Pioneer

Day) for 4th graders to become familiar with Camp environment.• Encourage families to attend “Open House” session (provided

3x/year) to see camp setting first hand.• You may consider having 5th and 6th grade ILC students attend

camp together to efficiently use additional support staff that may need to attend.

• Plan activities with other teachers that will allow students to trade groups and participate in activities they can do.

• View the district web site under schools – Camp Waskowitz - for additional information ( including additional facility info – trail map - pictures).

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Outdoor School Layout• The main campus area of Camp Waskowitz is relatively flat with gravel and

some concrete/asphalt walkways. Most buildings have a level or ramped access point with the exception of some of the student cabins. Propelling wheelchairs will require moderate effort. Designated student cabins have ramp access (although somewhat steep), so students who self propel manual wheelchairs may need assistance. The recreation field is fairly level grass with some bumps/ruts. The trail to the 30 Acre Shelter is natural dirt and is fairly smooth.

• Across the river to the south are the main hiking trails. These are combinations of rough gravel or natural dirt. Many areas have wooden walkways or small bridges. These trails are fairly rough/uneven and are not generally suitable for wheelchair access.

• The following map shows the camp layout with links to various photos of the camp facilities. Holding the cursor over a number will give you a short description of the linked

picture – clicking on the number will take you to a photo from that viewpoint. Click the center of picture to return to the map. (Clicking off numbers will take you to the

# 1 picture.)

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1617South of the River - Trail examples >

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Entrance

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Camp Waskowitz – A beautiful place to learn !