OHHS Outdoor Learning Grant

Tim Farrar

Tim Farrar

tim.farrar@rsu4.org

PE Teacher
Grant Organizer

Links:

Sign-ups:

  • PE Outdoor Learning Class = See Guidance Office

  • Summer School Opportunities = See Main Office

  • Outdoor Club = See Mr. Farrar

June Session:

June 17th - June 27th

Monday - Thursday

8 AM - 1 PM

*Except Juneteenth

July Session:

July 15th - July 25th

Monday - Thursday

8 AM - 1 PM

August Session:

August 5th - August 15th

Monday - Thursday

8 AM - 1 PM

Fishing Unit

June 24-27

Our focus on this unit extends beyond the act of fishing, we are aiming to deepen students' understanding of the food chain and the historical and current role of different species within the ecosystem. Through studying the Androscoggin River watershed, we will explore its remarkable recovery, attributed to the Clean Water Act championed by Maine Senator Edmund Muskie. Our proximity to flourishing rivers and lakes allows for year-round fishing, complemented by a rich ice fishing tradition and active winter tournaments.

Paddling Unit

August 12 -16

Our focus on this unit will have the students immerse in a body of water which will offer an unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and push their boundaries. Since we are located within a 30-minute drive of numerous pristine ponds, lakes, streams, as well as the Kennebec and Androscoggin rivers in Maine, we will expose students to environments they may have never encountered before.

Biking Unit

June 17 - 20

Our biking unit is pivotal for students, serving as an introduction to transportation systems and road safety. Beginning with practice on campus trails and parking lots, students progress to riding on local side roads, ensuring competence and comfort in various cycling environments. As a cross-curricular initiative, students from our Vocational and Shop programs engage in bike servicing and repairs, supported by a two-day training session with a certified bike mechanic.

Camping Unit

July 15 - 18

In collaborating with our Outing Club, PE Classes, and summer programming, we will organize camping and hiking trips, starting with local day excursions and culminating in a major expedition to camp and climb Mt. Katahdin in the summer. This progressive approach allows students to develop outdoor skills gradually while fostering a deep appreciation for nature.

American Rescue Plan Act GEER, Reverted EANS Funding received from the USDOE support the implementation of this project. The project has an award totaling $6.6 million dollars of which 100% is federally funded and directly attributed to project implementation. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by the USDOE or the U.S. Government.

These projects are fully funded by the Maine DOE Outdoor Learning Initiative Grant and does not use any local funds.

RSU #4 was awarded $67,508 for outdoor learning equipment to ensure we can offer all four learning units.