Wilderness Road Therapeutic Camping Association

The education program at camp is an important part of everyday life. No formal classes are held, but in solving the daily problems of survival, intensive education does occur. A grade of 98% would not be passing if a wrong tarp measurement caused a leak over one's bed, or careless food budgeting resulted in a skimpy meal.

Writing experiences for the camp newspaper often shows creative talent that would thrill an English teacher, Likewise, sketches and nature crafts reveal artistic gifts. Sharing camp experiences and insight in the dining room or outdoor chapel are excellent ways to develop communication skills. Campsite cooking and tent building provide many opportunities to sharpen mathematical skills. Books are available for resource and reference in the camp library.

Groups enjoy taking educational rambles through camp's many acres of woodlands and observing life around them. Campers often identify items they find, or plants and animals they see, and write an article about their discoveries.

All this is done in a relaxed, unhurried pace and allows the camper's natural curiosity to develop.

Camp education includes all subjects of study into everyday life, so that the campers view education as a part of life, and not only as a separate discipline. Many campers re-enter school at their regular age grade level.

Since the camp setting requires less conformity than a classroom, a camper can wiggle and squirm and still feel accepted. In time, campers relax and become confident enough that learning comes much easier.