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Outdoor Education Field Studies: Summer 2008The value of Outdoor Education is found not only in the acquisition of wilderness skills, but in the honing of personal and interpersonal competencies in communication, leadership, situational analysis, and problem solving. It is a learning that sets a stage for exploration. Join us for an experience in action, reflection, and discovery.
Our courses are based on experience-based learning models and taught in a format that recognizes that safety is paramount! It is our belief that by utilizing adventure activities to accomplish these objectives, we may enhance self-esteem through challenge and success, while also providing an inspiration for a sense of discovery, and a passion for learning. Springtime in the Ozarks (Summer Session I - 2008)
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Students will acquire a competence in basic outdoor skills and an understanding of what it means to rely on oneself, one another, and our collective resourcefulness. Students will receive 4 hours of college credit in Outdoor Adventure Programs (1 credit hr.), Paddlesports (1 credit hr), Outdoor Recreation (1 credit hour) and Backcountry Expeditioning (1 credit hr). We will travel by canoe, sleeping on the riverbank where nightfall finds us. We will explore the environmental ethics of wilderness use and seek to return with a better understanding of how we might preserve such areas for future generations.
TJC Residents In-District Costs:
(Texas Residents) Out of District Costs:
NON-TX Resident/Out-Of-State Costs:
If Applicable these costs do not include:
Tentative Course Schedule:
Elaine Hood is employed as a teacher with the Tyler Independent School District and as an Outdoor Educator at Camp Tyler. She is the director of the equestrian program at Camp Tyler and works on a regular basis with a wide variety of groups in the outdoors. In addition to this she is also employed as a part-time faculty member and Continuing Education Instructor at Tyler Junior College. She holds a Bachelors degree in Science in Education. |
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The philosophy of outdoor education at Tyler Junior College is to convey to the student the knowledge and skills necessary to safely enjoy a wide variety of outdoor pursuits and to include such activities as a part of a healthy and active lifestyle. A second objective is a focus on providing experiences that facilitate opportunities for our students to learn about themselves and how to work cooperatively within a group to accomplish common goals. Our third goal is to never forget that learning can and should be fun. Johan Huizinga said that "the concept of play..... is of a higher order than seriousness, for seriousness seeks to exclude play, whereas play can very well include seriousness ”and we wholeheartedly agree! These three ideals provide the basis for the design of our classes.
Nestled in the heart of the Ozarks, breathes a living, national treasure - the Buffalo National River Wilderness Area. Across the north of Arkansas, this watershed slices through rolling hills, creating an access for exploration and discovery. Rich in both cultural and natural history, this area is home to bald eagles, mink, deer, and the occasional bear. It is this river and the wilderness that surrounds it, that will become both home and classroom for TJC students who enroll in the Department of Health and Kinesiology Outdoor Education Field Studies classes this summer.
Additional Information: 
Jack R. Caddell is an instructor and Department Chair of the Health and Kinesiology program at Tyler Junior College. His experience includes 20+ years of working with collegiate and other groups in both traditional and wilderness settings. He holds a Bachelors degree in Outdoor and Environmental Education and dual Masters Degrees in Outdoor Education and Environmental Studies. He is a formerly certified Wilderness First Responder and a National Standard Program Certification Instructor with the Wilderness Education Association.