CHILD CARE WORKER STUDENTS HAVE OUTDOOR LEARNING EXPERIENCE
by Ann McMullan, student

Through September 29 to October 1, 1974, students in the Child Care
Worker Program organized and participated in an outdoor learning
experience. Based at MacLean Park Boy Scouts' Camp near the U.S.-
Canadian border, south of Langley, the purpose of the endeavour was to
make us aware of the necessary preparations and skills required to make
a worthwhile outdoor experience for children with disabilities.

On Sunday night, we had a session called Love, Life and Joy. Afterwards
thirty-nine voices strong, including most of our instructors, melded
together in an enthusiastic sing-a-long which brought us close together
as a group.

After almost freezing to death the first night, we woke up to a good
breakfast served in the warmth of the cookhouse. We were then trans-
ported to the Serpentine Fen where Dr. Barry Leach showed us a film and
offered commentary on the history and present ecological situation of
the Lower Mainland. As we did a walking tour of the Fen area, he
pointed out means of conserving the land, species of birdlife, and fish.

Joy Vernon outlined the importance of providing proper health and safety
standards in the outdoor setting which comply with provincial, municipal,
and professional standards. Then, Joan and Fred Owens gave a session on
outdoor handicraft and we found ourselves creating some real master-
pieces, using material from the outdoor environment.

That evening, as we stretched before the fireplace, Chris Johnson
narrated "A Sense of Wonder" by Rachel Carson, accompanied by music.
This emphasized the need for adults to spend time with children in
observing the beauties of nature and the importance of exploring the
wonder of it all.

On our final day, we enjoyed group discussion on the facilities, programs,
and activities necessary in order to meet each child's unique needs in a
camping situation.

Ray Cox gave a session on the prevention and treatment offered to a person
suffeirng from "hypothermia", known to most of us as exposure to the
outdoors.

As we packed our bags for home, we all felt that we had experienced
numerous benefits from this adventure. On behalf of all the students,
I wish to thank all the staff and faculty who were involved in making
this experience possible.

P.S. Ann's article provides an excellent account of this 2-day learning
experience. I was particularly impressed by the students’ organizational
abilities in the areas of menu planning, food purchasing, food preparation,
budget accountability, first aid, safety, and transportation arrangements
as well as their individual involvement in the programme with minimal

help from faculty members, the students' overall contribution was key to

the success of this venture. Well done!
: Joy Vernon g