Waskowitz Foundation

Waskowitz Outdoor School Programs

Camp Waskowitz

Waskowitz Outdoor School Programs. Since 1947 Waskowitz has been the center for innovative programs and curriculum components working in support of achieving the Waskowitz mission and vision. At the core of all Waskowitz programs is a vibrant school that inspires an appreciation of and for communities of human and nature.

Since 1947 Waskowitz has been the center for innovative programs and curriculum components working in support of achieving the Waskowitz mission and vision.  At the core of all Waskowitz programs is a vibrant school that inspires an appreciation of and for communities of human and nature.

Waskowitz Programs include:

Our Signature Program is a residential outdoor environmental education program for 5th and 6th graders.  Classes throughout the Puget Sound area attend for a week of outdoor school.  Curriculum includes river ecology, forest ecology, watersheds, community building, and natural and cultural history of the area.

Our Signature Program, is supported by our high school leadership component.  High School 10th -12th graders are selected to attend a weekend training/observation of their skills and attitude towards the responsibilities and expectations of a one-week leader. Students selected to serve as a volunteer for a week with the elementary students receive mentoring and guidance for successful leadership.

Camp Waskowitz

Classes throughout the Puget Sound area attend for a week of outdoor school. Curriculum includes river ecology, forest ecology, watersheds, community building, and natural and cultural history of the area.

Washington State Living History is day program for 4th grade students of the Puget Sound area schools.  Students try their hand at several activities, including, gold panning, log cabin construction, salmon fishing, making a dugout canoe, and building a railroad!

Waskowitz Environmental Leadership & Service (WELS) is designed as a recuperative program for 10th -12th grade students that have experienced indicators of educational setbacks or want a safe and nurturing school environment for academic success.  Counselors and family members recommend students for inclusion in the program.  Students complete an application and interview to insure students have the attitude and aptitude to be a leader in our 6th grade residential outdoor environmental education program (ROEE) at Waskowitz.  We are a Career and Technical Education (CTE) rich program providing multiple 21st century skills learning opportunities and skills for jobs in the outdoor recreation/education and marine tech fields.

Rediscovering Ourself Outdoors To Succeed. (ROOTS) Through challenge activities (low ropes course) middle to high school students are learning with experiential activities how to problem solve, persevere, ask for support, build a cohort of learners for success in school academically and social-emotionally.

Comprehensive Outdoor Environmental Education:
The Waskowitz Framework

Waskowitz staff believe in meeting a child’s educational needs beyond curricula and supports traditionally offered by schools. Policies procedures and practices are in place to ensure a physically and emotionally safe experience. Opportunities for participation in relevant curriculum and meaningful problem solving create a powerful learning opportunity in real world issues. We believe that genuine collaboration in the curriculum invites creativity, innovation and long-lasting positive relationships for children with the natural world.

Healthy Sustainable Community

Our Signature Program is a residential outdoor environmental education program for 5th and 6th graders. Classes throughout the Puget Sound area attend for a week of outdoor school. Curriculum includes river ecology, forest ecology, watersheds, community building, and natural and cultural history of the area.

Our Signature Program is a residential outdoor environmental education program for 5th and 6th graders. Classes throughout the Puget Sound area attend for a week of outdoor school. Curriculum includes river ecology, forest ecology, watersheds, community building, and natural and cultural history of the area.

Engage and collaborate with schools and community partners using strategies for full participation beyond the time at outdoor school. Families are informed and engaged in students’ experience. Volunteer support is developed and encouraged providing opportunities of service for supporters.

Holistic Approach

Senses are awakened through the use of all learning styles, naturally.  A child’s sense of wonder is rewarded and encouraged.  Progressive programs provide opportunities for all ages of learners.

Shared Responsibility/School Partners

Teachers and students are a part of the program.  Staff is welcoming and inclusive. Schools are treated as a full partner in the Waskowitz experience. Lessons are hands on, experiential, connected to state and school district standards. Students, teacher and residential program staff work together to ensure a better world. Effort is extended to create scholarship and fundraising opportunities so no child is left behind or to feel uncomfortable due to financial and or cultural concerns. Instructional practices are culturally competent.

Enduring Understandings/Core Competencies

That which can best be taught outside is.  Living in nature, with nature provides opportunities to make connections and develop understandings of how our ecosystems work through interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary approaches. Residential Living and Learning Communities fosters a sense of place, sense of wonder for all that walk through our gates.  Waskowitz Outdoor School teaches community and social living skills with intention.  Magic happens!

About

History

Camp Waskowitz

High School 10th -12th graders are selected to attend a weekend training/observation of their skills and attitude towards the responsibilities and expectations of a one-week leader.

The Waskowitz Foundation was incorporated in 1967 as an educational charitable 501(c )(3) organization to support and promote residential outdoor environmental education for the public schools of Highline School District.

Mission

The mission of The Waskowitz Foundation is to support the environmental education programs and historic facilities at Waskowitz. Our task is to raise funds in partnership with the Highline School District to accomplish this mission.

Board & Trustee information

  • President – Stephanie Day
  • Vice President – Kent Horton
  • Interim Treasurer – Roberta McFarland
  • Secretary – Michael Stein- Ross
  • Trustee – Johnny Gannaw
  • Trustee – Melanie Oberlander

In the News

http://www.waskowitzfoundation.org/about/in-the-news/

Contact Us

We are looking forward to hearing from you. Please feel free to get in touch via the form below, we will get back to you as soon as possible.

Waskowitz Foundation
45505 SE 150th St, North Bend, WA 98004
info@waskowitzfoundation.org
Camp Office: (425) 888-0681 


Useful Links
Waskowitz History
Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center
One Week Leaders (OWLS)
Waskowitz Outdoor Education Center Overview
Waskowitz Outdoor School Staff