FOUNDED in 1993 by Vacamas Programs for Youth
 

The Vacamas Environmental and Multicultural Education program works to provide students with an experiential education experience centered on environmental studies. The topics covered stem from school curriculum and are developed into "hands-on" activities carried out in our rural learning laboratory. The students' experiences as members of the Vacamas ecosystem relate directly back to their home environment and to the global community.  Through our environmental and multicultural education initiatives, we strive to facilitate experiences that empower children to recognize their own self-worth and improve their self-esteem in a safe, nurturing environment which engenders self and group exploration.

Core Offerings

• Night Experiences - Students are introduced to topics which deal specifically with nocturnal activity, including human adaptations to the night, predator/prey adaptations, constellations and moon cycles. Included in our nighttime program is a night hike which allows the students first-hand exploration of the covered topics, as well as encouraging them to embrace the wonders of the night. Night activities include night drawing, bat/moth, night running and human rock.
   

• Challenge Activities - Through a series of initiative games and challenge activities, students learn the components necessary for successful group work. The development of skills such as listening, problem solving, trust and personal responsibility is stressed.
   

• Sensory Awareness -Students learn to fine-tune their senses, enabling them to perceive more in their surroundings. Concepts such as basic survival needs, photosynthesis, animal adaptations and the five senses introduce students to the inter-relationships which exist in the natural world. Hug-a-tree, camouflage game and a photosynthesis scenario are some of the activities utilized to encourage improved sensory awareness.
   

• Food for Thought - After each meal, a student or staff member shares practical "Earth saving" suggestions which can be implemented locally, but which can have global impact when everyone works together. Topic examples include composting, recycling, paper v. cloth and rechargeable batteries.
  
  Also included in our Environmental and Multicultural Education programs:

• Multicultural Programs

• Leadership Development

• Physical Education

• High Ropes Course

• Drug Awareness

• Fine Arts

• Recreational Programs
  
  All Vacamas programs are individually tailored to meet particular needs and are available for school groups, scout troops, youth-serving agencies and other interested organizations.