The Experience
THE SCHOOL OVERNIGHT PROGRAM EXPERIENCE
During our School Overnight Program, students do field investigations, practice collaborative problem solving, and engage with peers from other classrooms and schools. In the process, they discover more about their world and the positive impact they can have on their environment and community.
“It is a life changing experience all young people should enjoy.”
Tim Williams, SandPoint Elementary Parent
LEARNING
The outdoor environment of the IslandWood campus—such as the bog, harbor, and forest—as well as indoor facilities like the wet lab and art studio are used for teaching lessons in science, math, art and social studies.
“This is a magical land filled with passionate people who help our kiddos become stewards of our environment! This is truly a “school” in the woods. So much real science!”
Zac Stowell, Northgate Elementary
ACTIVITIES
Students at IslandWood enjoy indoor and outdoor activities that help them develop skills in teambuilding, critical thinking, communication, confidence, and understanding. All children are provided the necessary gear to stay warm and comfortable outdoors year-round.
“IslandWood is a controlled real world. It is safe to question and find answers. We find our own strengths and see our teammates’ strengths in activities we never get to see them do in our own classrooms.”
Dearborn Elementary School Teacher
LODGING
In our four lodges, each child has a comfortable bed in a bunk room with a private bathroom. Chaperones and teachers sleep in separate rooms on the same floor as the kids. The lodges also provide an opportunity to learn about sustainable building and architecture.
“I feel like my trip to IslandWood is worth coming out of my comfort zone. Thank you.”
Zainab Mohammed parent chaperone, Lowell Elementary.
Read the story of Zainab’s experience with her two children, Zaidaan and Ilham.
FOOD AND DINING
IslandWood’s kitchen staff prepares healthy, kid-friendly food that is sensitive to all religious, dietary, and allergy needs. Children receive three meals a day, plus snacks. Breakfast and dinner are served family style in our Dining Hall, an intentionally-designed experience that builds community and gives students and adult chaperones the opportunity to interact with others from different schools.
“The kitchen team and food are amazing.”
Lelan, School Overnight Program alum
INSTRUCTORS
Our instructors are experienced environmental educators and students in our graduate program in education with the University of Washington. They are caring, dedicated, and represent diverse backgrounds. They are also trained in first aid, behavior management, and best practices in equity-oriented, student-centered, experiential learning and teaching.
“The IslandWood staff are so supportive of students and teachers and passionate about what they do, which creates a wonderful experience for all.”
Colleen Chambers, Seattle Nativity School Teacher
GARDEN CLASSROOM
In the garden, students learn about food production, sustainability, local and organic foods, composting, and farm-to-table connections. In our Soil to Snack Program, students harvest fresh produce and then cook a snack alongside our chef educators.
ARTS EDUCATION
The arts are an integral part of the IslandWood experience, interwoven with science, technology, and math. Students learn new means of expression from our Artists in Residence, while sparking greater curiosity and wonder about the surrounding world.
OUR CAMPUS
Gear Library
The Gear Library is an integral component of the School Overnight Program. Students are outside most of their day and Washington weather during the school year can be pretty unpredictable, and… wet! The Gear Library equips students with everything they need to be outside, including rain jackets, rain pants, hiking boots, fleece jackets, gloves, hats, and more. We know that students need to be warm, dry, and feel taken care of before they can truly feel present to their experience. In addition, we strive to create a strong sense of belonging and inclusion in all IslandWood programs and the Library creates equitable access to the gear needed to comfortably participate in outdoor learning!
CONNECT WITH US
