Community-based Programs

Our vision is a world where people have the competence and will to affect positive change in their lives and the world. In order to develop active citizens, youth must have the opportunity to practice as citizens. Through using the community as a lens for learning our programs aim to do just this; connecting with real-world applications to ensure that today’s youth have an opportunity to engage and contribute to the greater society.

For more information, contact our community-based learning coordinator, Becca Myers, at 304-606-3233 or rmyers@experience-learning.org.

Literature Based Investigations

Our literacy program takes grade-level specific books and has designed comprehensive, outdoor learning extension activities to align with the content of the book. Students will apply knowledge they had previously learned while reading and gain an in-depth understanding of the subject topic through experiential learning and outdoor investigations. more info >>

Schoolyard Explorers

These programs are designed to be single day, focused adventures. Become a monarch butterfly, navigate around your schoolyard with a compass, or learn how to start a fire with one match!

Monarch Edventures

Monarchs

Students will understand the characteristics of a butterfly, as well as the stages of metamorphosis. A guided observation outdoors will further the understanding of a monarch’s ideal habitat as well as the opposing forces at play within their annual migration. Growing and planting a butterfly garden for monarch observation and citizen science can also be done. More info >>

Appalachian Watershed & Stream Monitors (AWSM)

Students will conduct a stream analysis of a local stream, including a biological, chemical, and physical data collection. Acting as citizen scientists, the class will process the data to further their understanding of indicators of stream health and how it relates to the greater ecosystem. The AWSM program is our most robust offering with curriculum adaptable to grade levels 5th and above. More info >>

Maple in the Classroom

Maple syrup production is a growing industry in WV. This fascinating process combines knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics to make a sticky, sweet treat. For students, maple education provides an opportunity to learn these hard sciences, gain hands on experience in and outside the classroom, and spark interest in the world around them through experiential learning. more info >>

Experience Learning has for a long time been dedicated to understanding our students, and on each trip builds a program to meet our goals. The experience we have each year creates a channel for learning that helps students further understand and internalize skills for planning, organization, problem solving and risk taking, and shows how these skills lead to success and happiness. We also have a wonderful time, and the experience is a staple of school culture and our collective memories. – Greg Koehlert, headmaster, Winston Prep
Our trip to SKMC has now turned into an annual event that is not only highly anticipated, but essential to bringing together the social dynamics of our class as we prepare for a year of working together. Additionally, my students feel empowered and connected to each other from our adventures that carries on through our schoolwork. – Jen Osha Buysse, teacher, Morgantown Learning Academy
Experience Learning and their staff make our school trips possible. From scouting things out before hand, to keeping everyone fed, safe, entertained and informed during the trip, none of it would be possible without their professionalism. They create a safe environment that allows students to push themselves out of their comfort zones and take risks while being fully supported. All of this translates to huge growth at home both in and out of the classroom. – Evan Schlissel, Winston Prep NY
Hands down Experience Learning’s Water Sampling trip (AWSM) for my 5th graders this past year has been the highlight of my career thus far! – Megan Bacorn, teacher
The leaders at Experience Learning do an extraordinary job of utilizing “outdoor education” to create opportunities for our boys to learn, grow, and develop an appreciation for our world beyond traditional classroom environments, which is valuable on too many levels to fully celebrate. – Mike Wallace, Gilman School
Mountain Stewards at Experience Learning is a fantastic week-long summer camp for kids who like the outdoors (or who WILL like the outdoors after this wonderful experience!) Stewardship of our natural resources, self-reliance, leadership, and fellowship, are all integral to this program. My daughter LOVES this camp, and that makes me a happy dad. Experience Learning also has great programs for learners of all ages. I recently completed an excellent Wilderness First Aid course at their wonderful Spruce Knob Mountain Center. Check it out! – Mark Wenzler
We are currently in the process of exploring a Trout in The Classroom project because of the interest that was piqued during the AWSM activities. – Julie Colaw, 5th grade science teacher, Petersburg Elementary School