September 7, 2016 (Fort Worth, Texas) – In the academic age of standardized testing and benchmarks, children and teachers alike can rejoice at a reimagined learning experience. Camp Fire First Texas has evolved its outdoor education program into the Texas Outdoor Education Center. TxOEC is located at Camp Fire’s El Tesoro, a 223 acre, all-natural outdoor facility boasting a nature studies center, new cabins, a dining facility, outdoor leadership-building challenge course elements and more.

“The Texas Outdoor Education Center was founded on the belief that nature and the outdoors provide positive life enhancing experiences for youth and adults alike.  The idea that children need a direct connection with the natural world is at the foundation of the Camp Fire mission, core values and council programs.  We believe in the power of nature to awaken a child’s curiosity, ingenuity and sense of stewardship,” Christina Middlebrook, vice president of outdoor division, said.

The Texas Outdoor Education Center emphasizes and integrates the natural outdoor resources of El Tesoro for experiences designed around three areas of exploration: Environment and Nature, Creativity and Contribution, and Challenge and Adventure. By providing youth an opportunity to “discover their world” TxOEC is helping compliment classroom facilitation while instilling a sense of environmental stewardship in the next generation of youth.

With overnight and day-trip options, TxOEC staff are dedicated to providing an individualized opportunity for each classroom visit. More than 200 TEKS-aligned curriculum tracks can be selected from to supplement student learning in the classroom. Curriculum units include:

  • Fossil Studies
  • Birds
  • Tree Identification
  • Wildflowers of Texas
  • Animal Habitats & Tracks
  • Erosion
  • Insects
  • Aquatic & Conservation Studies
  • Astronomy (day & night)

“Sometimes children need to see a scientific process in action to truly begin to understand it. They have to find a fossil, pick it up and move it around in their hands to understand its formation.” Middlebrook said. “The opportunities offered at the Texas Outdoor Education Center provide that experience for every child, which is something a lot of children don’t get to experience today – time in nature.”

In addition to nature-based and environmental curriculum, TxOEC offers leadership-building tracks through the facility’s high- and low-ropes challenge course, and adventure-based learning opportunities through archery, canoeing, kayaking and more.

To learn more about the Texas Outdoor Education Center, or to schedule a fieldtrip, visit CampFireFW.org/TXOEC.

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