Program Overview

Extended Day Program Overview

The Extended Day Program delivers the best of outdoor school in a single, action-packed day.

During their visit, classmates spend the day building community and learning together in nature. 

Students will:

• Learn science by doing
• Work together to build community and teamwork
• Ask questions, make observations, and explain what they discover

Throughout the day, students learn by doing - investigating forests, observing plants and animals, and asking questions about the world around them. Using a guided inquiry approach, students make observations, gather evidence, and construct scientific explanations. They explore the essential question, “What lives here?” while building an understanding of ecosystems and the interconnected relationships between living and non-living things. Activities such as ecosystem exploration, discovery-based investigations, and model-building help make learning both meaningful and memorable.

Equally important to the program are the social-emotional learning (SEL) outcomes. Students are encouraged to listen actively, build on one another’s ideas, and thoughtfully challenge differing perspectives.They build confidence by trying new activities, reflecting on their experiences, and recognizing their own growth.  

A thoughtfully designed schedule balances active learning with time to rest, play, and connect. Enrichment activities like nature art, journaling, and team-building games are woven throughout the day to keep students engaged and energized.

In the evening, the experience shifts to community-building and celebration. Students participate in fun, inclusive activities such as dancing, skits, and s’mores, followed by a shared meal and a closing campfire where the entire group comes together.

What to Bring

Waskowitz has many items that you can borrow if you forget or don’t have some of the things below. Pack all items in a backpack. Don’t bring anything you aren’t ok with it getting dirty or wet - you will be outside a lot! 

Clothing:

• Weather appropriate clothing to be outdoors 
• Closed-toed shoes for walking on uneven terrain 
• Waterproof Rain-coat with hood or hat and Rain-pants or poncho 
• Gloves and hat, if needed 

Equipment:

• Day pack for carrying your extra layers, water bottle and lunch
• Water bottle

Recommended:

• Lip balm, sunscreen
• Camera

Do not bring:

• Phones or other electronics
• Food (lunch and dinner are provided)

Extended Day Sample Schedule

10:00am Arrival, Orientation & Program Overview 

10:30am – 3:30pm Ecosystem Exploration & Lunch (lessons, activities, games, and exploration the forest/aquatic systems) 

3:30pm Rec Time (board games, art, field games, and sports) 

4:00pm S'mores and Dancing Rotation 1 

4:45pm S'mores and Dancing Rotation 2 

5:30pm Dinner 

6:15pm Closing all group campfire 

7:00pm Depart 

Extended Day Menu

Start Your Adventure

Program Cost

• 1-day program: $75 per student/chaperone
• Teachers are free

Choose the option that works best for scheduling your 2026–2027 school year program:

• Complete the program request form, and we’ll follow up with you to schedule your date
OR
• Call us to schedule your program first, then complete the form afterward

Once your form is submitted and your date is scheduled, we’ll send a contract. Your program will be officially reserved once we receive the signed contract and non-refundable deposit. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions—we’re happy to help every step of the way!

Program Request FOrm