Curiosity, Nature Focused Camp At Museum Beloved by Community
By Abby Haney
Campers viewing the numerous salamanders a Wildwod along the boardwalk trail during the last day at camp. While there, they learned about the variety of trees and plants along with different ecosystems impact on nature and animals.
For three days, 17 campers excitedly wandered around the museum, forest and parks to discover new concepts and findings in nature. No Tech Spring Break Camp at the Sandy Historical Museum was a roaring success and the anticipated summer camp is expected to perform just as well.
Sandy Historical Museum Director Nicole O’Neill saw a shortage of affordable summer camps and wished to provide a solution. Additionally, O’Neill wanted it to be without technology.
“We saw an opening for the museum to help Sandy's families by providing high quality camps that encourage kids to enjoy the outdoors and teach them about our community,” O’Neill said.
The goal of camp was to get kids engaging with the environment, their peers and history. Activities were targeted towards this but constructed so they actively participated in learning, Sandy Historical Museum Vice President and Trajectory Executive Director Austin Ernesti describing it as “play style learning.”
“While there were plans for history, science, and language arts lessons, we didn't want them to just spout facts that will disappear next week; we wanted them to really think about ideas and concepts so that it restructured the way they thought about everything from local leaders to their place in nature,” Ernesti said.
Ernesti, with his knowledge from Trajectory, was able to provide insight on forest education.
“I was able to lead students through several different forest lands and talk about the different ways in which forests are managed in Oregon. This is the heart of Trajectory's work,” Ernesti said. He accomplished this at Wildwood, Eagle Fern Park and Meinig Park by providing insight on tree usage and importance.
Struggling and wonder are beliefs Ernesti values, wanting to teach this at camp. He challenged campers to ask “why?” or “how?” so they could understand a concept, not just know it. Ernesti believes learning is most impactful when one approaches with questions and a curious mind.
“We wanted them to be ok with failure and to not fear questions or ignorance; leaning into it means growth,” Ernesti said.
While a schedule was provided, changes were made throughout the day. Campers became fascinated and focused on certain topics, such as the salamanders at Wildwood. Instead of pushing this wonder away, Ernesti and O’Neill acted on it.
“If a student was curious about something or if the group gravitated towards an activity or idea we just went with it,” Ernesti said. “We might have missed a scheduled lesson or activity, but the things gained in those moments of actual reflection and hands-on learning were magical.”
Ernesti and O’Neill also discovered campers found enjoyment in simple activities, keeping them busy and curious for a long period of time.
“One of my favorite parts of the camp was teaching the campers paper crafts that I remembered from middle school,” O’Neill said. “The kids loved making paper fortune hunters and paper boxes, which really surprised me.”
By the end of camp, campers' minds were full of new ideas, wonder and excitement. Ernesti and O’Neill’s efforts provided an event that was beloved by kids and parents alike. Summer Camp filled quickly but due to demand, O’Neill is offering a special fourth week lottery sign-up. The additional week will provide the same fun and learning for more kids.
Abby Haney is the Editor-In-Chief at Sandy High School for the Pioneer Press and is a writer at large for The Sandy Historical Society and The Sandy Standard.
Austin Ernesti stops campers at Eagle Fern Park trail to teach them about the tree in the forest. Kids engaged with the park by asking questions and Ernest providing insight on how trees are used such as in furniture.
