Field trip “a day to remember“ for kids

Throw in ecological literacy and you have a winning combo 

How do you know when a child has learned something vital, something he or she will understand for the rest of their lives? For Wildsight’s 11 professional educators, it’s when the hands go up as students clamor to recount what they learned during a Classroom with Outdoors field trip—the year before. 

“When students come back in the next grade and remember exactly what they learned last year—and want to share it—we know this type of environmental education is effective,” said Monica Nissen. Nissen leads 10 other professional educators in Wildsight’s wildly successful roster of education programs. 

“Whatever grade level they are designed for, all of our programs work on the principle of building,” Nissen says. “Every learning opportunity we offer students becomes an opportunity to enrich their ecological literacy. They can build on their knowledge from one year to the next.” 

Ecological literacy is being able to understand the natural systems that make life on earth possible. “This type of literacy is vital to our future,” Nissen said.  

Since 2000, Wildsight has guided more than 30,000 students on field trips to wetlands, forests and grasslands, where they learned first hand about ecosystems. The curriculum meets Ministry of Education standards and is specifically designed for each grade level. 

Nissen is gearing up for the tenth Classroom with Outdoors series, freshening up the curriculum, meeting with her crew of educators and getting ready for the rush. 

“We’re always in demand,” she said. “It’s a good idea to book your trip early. For students, a Classroom with Outdoors field trip is a day to remember—and a way to experience how ecosystems support all life on earth.” 

To learn more or book a field trip, contact Laurel Ralston, Wildsight’s Outreach Coordinator, at 250.427.9325 or Office@Wildsight.ca.