The O.R.I.E.N.T. Project

A generous gift from the Burroughs Wellcome Fund has allowed the Center to go forward in designing and implementing a new, GPS-based, middle school science program.   Interest has been high, as schools schedule both fall & spring dates for this program.  More information on this new opportunity for middle school classrooms...

Bookings Now Available for 2008-2009 School Year!!

 Book early for your best

 shot at prime spring and fall slots!

Seeking Outdoor

Education Specialists

In the fall of 2007, an amazing group of educators helped us deliver the busiest school season yet.   We are excited that a core group of them agreed to return in the Spring of 2008, and together with a new group of recruits, have accomplished great things! 

BJP is now hiring for positions for the Fall 2008 season and beyond.  Check out more information on becoming an

Outdoor Education Specialist 

for Penn's School Programs

Information & Details for Coordinating Teachers

Planning Guides contain all necessary

forms, suggested schedules, and FAQ's for

teachers who have already booked dates on Penn's school calendar.

STS Planning Guide (pdf)

EEP Planning Guide (pdf)

ORIENT Planning Guide (pdf)

For any questions not answered in these planning guides, please contact the Education Director at 336-349-9445.

NCSTA & NCMSA

 Penn staff led three GPS-related presentations

at recent teacher conferences.  For those interested in viewing or downloading the PowerPoint files from these presentations,

please click on the appropriate link below.

GPS Basics @NCSTA

Project ORIENT @NCSTA

Project ORIENT @NCMSA

The Betsy-Jeff Penn 4H Educational Center serves public, private and charter school communities with outdoor, experiential education opportunities for all ages.  Follow the links below to find out more about specific multi-day field trips, trainings, etc.

                     Environmental Education Program

Outdoor Science, Cultural History & Environmental Studies for

2^nd - 6^th Grade Students

 Immerses students in outdoor, hands-on environmental science on

Betsy-Jeff Penn’s 220-acre property, taking advantage of the fields, forests, streams and lakes surrounding the facility.  Day Classes and Evening Programs combine to create a fabulous first science

experience for younger students.   The Center specializes in these

 overnight programs, but one-day explorations are also available.

Soaring Thru Spaces

Life Skills Development & Character

Education for 5^th - 8^th Grade Students

Utilizes group initiatives, teambuilding challenges (low ropes),

high ropes course elements and focused discussions. 

Betsy-Jeff Penn staff attempt to use the many "teachable moments" that arise in these challenges to increase the life skills and self-efficacy in each student.  Intensive overnight programs allow

for the most growth, but day programs are also offered. 

Project O.R.I.E.N.T.

GPS-based Outdoor Research In Environmental Sciences,

 Navigation & Technology for 6^th -8^th Grade Students

A true middle-school level outdoor science program that

 complements the intensity with which these students live their life. 

 A giant, multi-day scavenger hunt using GPS receivers and topographic maps leads student groups to various locations on camp for environmental science explorations, math challenges and team decision-making problems.  The program is designed and funded for three-day intensive programs, with flexibility in specific content areas. 

Custom Adventures

Solidifying Group Experiences

on the River, Rock or Trail

Whether it be to start the year off with a bang, or finish

 it with a culminating experience or “right of passage”, many schools are opting to go on adventures as a team.    

Trips can be easily customized to fit each group’s needs.
 

Teacher Trainings

Formal & Informal.  Our Site or Your School.

 As part of the Department of 4H Youth Development, Betsy-Jeff Penn has long been

a source of training to formal and informal educators, as well as other youth

professionals.   Trainings in both science content and group facilitation are scheduled

each year at the Reidsville campus.  Customized onsite trainings are available by request.