Let's Go Outside! Unleashing the Potential of Learning Outside the Classroom

At Go West we support the diverse ways in which children learn. Outside the classroom we unlock a world of experiential learning that is rich, dynamic, and transformative for our campers. 

In an era dominated by screens and technology, we reconnect children with nature. We spend most of our time outside and these experiences help campers foster a deep appreciation and connection to their environment. In our nature based activities, children learn about the balance of ecosystems, the importance of plants and animals, and develop a sense of responsible stewardship towards the planet.

We intertwine nature and curiosity based learning with a hands-on approach to help children develop a deep appreciation for their environment while also acquiring valuable scientific knowledge in the process.

By engaging campers in fun outdoor activities and experiences we get our bodies moving, promoting physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle. Whether it's through biking, stand up paddle boarding, hiking, or sports, campers are engaged in regular exercise while having fun and learning valuable life skills. These activities contribute to the overall well-being of children, fostering healthy habits that can last a lifetime. Movement is an important component of what we do at camp. We value getting our bodies moving to not only aid in learning healthy habits but also as a way of processing emotions and keeping our brain alert and active.

Being away from home in a supportive but less structured environment than school, allows children to make decisions for themselves. We have some form of choice built into our programming at all age levels. By choosing the activities they want to participate in through pre and post camp, camper choice days or skill tracks, these experiences encourage independence and decision-making skills. Camp provides a safe space for children to learn responsibility and gain a sense of autonomy. 

We bring together children and staff from various diverse backgrounds, creating a microcosm of the global community. Our campers may experience different cultures, traditions, and perspectives that help them develop a broader worldview. Building community through diversity and inclusion nurtures empathy, understanding, compassion and open mindedness, all essential qualities for navigating an increasingly interconnected world. We work within small groups giving campers the opportunity to strengthen skills of communication and collaboration. Each group of campers is unique, and campers work to design their unique Code of Living that defines the values that are important to them, as they communicate, try new things, and play together. At camp we may rock climb for the first time, reach the peak on a hike or create a work of art, but most important is how a camper contributes to the group and connects to fellow campers. 

A reflection component is built into all of the activities that we do and an important part of the experiential learning process. We use a variety of reflection and debriefing techniques to help campers consciously explore their experiences, feelings, thoughts and actions throughout their time at camp. Active reflection can be a valuable tool for growth, allowing campers the opportunity to view things from different perspectives, identify alternative approaches, fill gaps within their current knowledge base and develop or build upon new skills. At Go West we are committed to giving children alternative ways to learn and thrive outside the conventional classroom space.