The following Outdoor Education classes are offered as a part of the Natural Wonders program at Warm Beach Camp.

Estuary Habitat Survey

Explore the estuary habitat where the Stillaguamish River flows into Port Susan Bay. Students study the Stillaguamish River estuary by examining the water temperature, salinity, depth of the water and type of soil.  Students also learn about the habitat and the organisms that flourish in this unique area. This class is taught using canoes or by walking out to the tidelands. We encourage participants to wear boots or disposable shoes.

Fresh Water Stream Habitat

Explore the living organisms that inhabit a fresh water stream. Participants learn about erosion, habitat, and human impact. Student test a fresh water stream for water quality, quantity and speed; and use nets to harvest samples for study.

Human Impact Studies

Examine the relationship between farming, urban development, and habitat management. Students explore the impact and levels of pesticides, animal waste, and fertilizers on the water in the wetland area; and conduct a variety of tests such as dissolved oxygen, nitrates, ph and others.

The Natural Wetlands

Explore the unique characteristics of the different types of wetland areas. Through hands on activities student learn the tremendous value of the wetlands to the coastal areas of our state. Participants dissect wetland plants to learn why they are especially equipped for this habitat. Students practice defining a wetland through tests of delineation. The remainder of the class is spent exploring the wetlands as habitat for reptiles, amphibians, birds and animals.

Orienteering

Learn the sport of orienteering. Participants learn how to utilize a topographical map, and get hands-on experience orienteering with and without a compass. Students are assisted through the first course, which has two markers to find. After a short debriefing time students navigate through a 8-marker course.

Upland Forest

Explore the ecosystem of the Upland Forest. Activities include leaf rubbing, taking core samples, and dissecting leaves and bark. Discussion focuses on identifying the plants and trees that inhabit the lower, middle and upper stages of the forest. Students construct the history of a quadrant of forest by carefully observing the clues in the area.

Birds of Prey

Experience the thrill of studying raptors in their natural environment. Students learn about the habitat and diet of each bird of prey. Participants may have an opportunity to observe hawks, eagles, osprey, and owls along Port Susan Bay. If time allows, students also dissect owl pellets.

Initiatives and Leadership Development

Build confidence while learning valuable leadership principles. Each group is lead through a variety of team-building activities by a facilitator. In a fun, non-threatening environment, participants learn how to collaborate and solve problems as they work as a team to complete each challenge. Each participant gains applied knowledge for situations where strategic planning is required.

Habitat Restoration Project

Choose the habitat restoration project that fits best! Build and install a bird or bat house, remove an invasive species of plants, or care for eroded areas and make critical trail improvements. These projects require additional school staff for supervision because students use tools to complete the project.

Living Green: Being Stewards of the Earth

Learn about recycling, pollution, and wildlife awareness. This class discuses the importance of sustaining the Earth. We’ve only been given one planet, and we have a responsibility to care for it.  The class uses scenarios that challenge the student to think about what the best choices would be for living green.