Program Design, Philosophy &

Benefits

Sunrise Lake Outdoor Education Center

To provide visionary leadership in the field of experiential learning that focuses on improving outcomes for all students.

NSSEO Mission: NSSEO seeks to build and strengthen home/school/community partnerships to enable students with special needs to become participating members of society.

The SLOEC Mission

SLOEC provides children of all ages and abilities the opportunity to slow down, reflect, learn, enjoy, respect and appreciate themselves, others and nature.

A Place for Explorers

A rustic but appropriately adapted rolling terrain, located in Bartlett, IL

11 acres of ecologically rich oak & hickory woodlands, rare native prairie and paved or developed paths

A 10-acre natural lake with beaches & piersAccessible equipment & activitiesIndoor/outdoor opportunities Challenging but safePrograms for all ages/abilities

Who We Are: Key Features

Autumn on Lost Island Lake

Provide an engaging outdoor environment where all children can discover the full extent of their abilities and try out new experiences

Encourage growth in knowledge and social skills through fellowship and group endeavor

Adapt equipment and activities to maximize capability and inclusion

Ensure physical protection; teach safety and respect

Structure activities to enrich and reinforce specific student IEP goals (and/or State Learning Goals)

Who We Are: Guiding Principles

1. Nature Study Education: Knowledge of environment2. Awareness Education: Knowledge of self, peers,

senses3. Adventure Education: Knowledge & skill through

leisure, physical activity & experiential learning 4. Expressive Education: Creativity --indoors and

outside- in art, music, verbal interaction and cooking5. Practical Education: Daily living experiences that add

to student’s fundamental base of knowledge & skills

Instructional Focus

Five basic kinds of outdoor classroom experience

Universal Challenge Course

Universal Challenge Course

Program Design : The Daily Schedule

VS

GH

Program Design

Seasonal activities such as boating, swimming, fishing,

archery, nature hikes, sledding, cross-country skiing,

snowshoeing, & craftsExploring nature through

sensory awareness & active participation

Application of classroom objectives in the outdoor

environment

Program Design

Development of social skills aligned with state

Social Emotional Learning Standards

Vocational worksite skill development

Experiential lessons aligned with academic and behavioral

goals

Spider Web – featured on Team Initiatives Course

“The Port Hole”– featured on Team Initiatives Course

“Zig Zag” – featured on Team Initiatives Course

Main Lodge with cooking, dining, and large multi-purpose room for group activities

Craft Lodge/Nature Center with science, art, and social/emotional lesson materials

Adventure Lodge with indoor climbing wall, fireplace, meeting/sleeping area

Covered, accessible picnic shelter in woods

Teaching Tipi

Program Supports: Indoor Spaces With an Outdoor Feel

Main Lodge (Guarrine Great Hall)

Main Lodge (Dining Room)

Adventure Lodge

Adventure Lodge

Craft Lodge

Nature Center

Adjoining Nature Center,

Classroom & Craft Lodge

for inter-disciplinary activities

Teaching Tipi

Landscaped Gardens

Outdoor Amphitheater

Native Prairie

Vernal Pond

Eastern Striped Watermelon Toad (endangered)

Team 9-Foot Wall

Archery Course – featuring rubber-tipped arrows

Program Supports: School Visits

Team Initiatives Course to develop positive peer relations

Universal Challenge Course to enhance student self-confidence (designed for all ages and abilities)

Adventure trips throughout the Midwest via the Sunrise Lake Outdoor Adventure Program

Lessons using the woodland and aquatic environments

Winterized buildings featuring large meeting/activity rooms , a modern kitchen and large stone fireplaces for four seasons of possibilities

Available to other community groups as space permits

Program Supports: Unique Characteristics

Music & Rhythm

Wooded hiking trails

Wooded hiking trails

Four-season programming

Visit the NSSEO main website (www.nsseo.org), open Services Menu, and access the Request for Use form on the left of the page.

To schedule your group’s SLOEC visit:

8 2) Request a date here F

Access

SLOEC here

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