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. Our community-based programs aim to do just this; connect learning 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 executive director at 304-567-2632 or vfenwick@experience-learning.org.

Appalachian Watershed & Stream Monitors (AWSM)

In our AWSM program students work as citizen scientists to collect and analyze data analyzing the biological, chemical, and physical attributes of a stream. Many AWSM participants choose to study both a stream local to their community and a stream at the top of their watershed. Results are compiled and submitted to a state database.

Nearby Nature

Nearby Nature is a regional program that is providing teacher professional development and implementation support to engage students in their schools and communities. The program focuses on integrating curriculum with school building and schoolyard investigations to create meaningful and hands-on learning.

Community Action in the Classroom

Community Action in the Classroom is a collaborative project with Earth Force developed for teachers interested in using their skills to incorporate active civics, Next Generation Science Standards, STEM, and stewardship into their classrooms through project-based learning.

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
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
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