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Experiencing Creation!

“Christ-Centered Discoveries
in an Outdoor Setting”

Curriculum Guide

Outdoor Education Programs
for Christian Schools and Home School Families

   EXPLORING Creation
   DISCOVERING Creation
  INVESTIGATING Creation  
EXPERIENCING Creation
plus ADVENTURE Activities

Spruce Lake Outdoor School
RR #1 Box 605
Canadensis, PA 18325
Phone: 800-822-7505 ext.136
Fax: 570-595-3255
Web: sprucelake.org

Christian Outdoor Education

The Christian scriptures instruct believers to continually teach their children about the works of God. It is suggested that we ask the animals, birds, earth and fish to tell us how the Lord holds the breath of all creatures in His hand. Jesus also used the natural world continually to teach spiritual truth. Many Bible verses indicate that the creation clearly reveals God's invisible qualities.

References: Deut. 4:9; Gen. 1:26-28; Gen.2:15;
Job 14:7-10; Matt: 12:33-37; Luke 8:4-15; Romans 1:19-20

Spruce Lake Outdoor School (SLOS) has a complete package of learning opportunities, facilities, and trained, experienced staff that helps students and adults alike see the connection between natural truth and God's word.

Our Outdoor School offers resident programs for elementary, junior and senior high schools for grades 4th-12th.

Home school families may join other families by registering for one of our scheduled “open” events for children starting at 3 years of age.

Home school support groups may customize their own program by coordinating specific dates and classes for the children.

Contents

Adventure Activities
Animal Life
Aquatic Communities
Evening & Night Activities
Forest Communities
Geology
Nature Crafts
Outdoor Skills
Settler Life
Trail Hiking Adventures
Wetland Communities
Winter Classes

Outdoor, "All-Weather" Classes

Most classes are held snow, rain or shine, except when safety may be compromised by weather conditions. So please come prepared with clothing appropriate for the weather and the season.

All outdoor classes require hiking at various degrees of difficulty. All participants — students and adults — should be aware of physical demands prior to arrival.
* Degree of difficulty depends on physical shape and activity level of individual.

Adventure Activities

Adventure Challenge Course (ACC) •  grades 5-6
Adventurous obstacles that teach them to trust, share, encourage, problem-solve, interact and build. This activity is geared toward the social and cognitive development of      grades 5-6.   Emphasis is placed on applying experiences to practical Christian living and relationships.          
2 activity periods (3 hours)

Challenge Course (CC) •  grades 7-12
The Challenge Course is a series of ropes, cables, beams, walls and other devices that challenge participants to cooperate in making decisions and achieving objectives. Groups learn to trust, share, encourage, problem-solve, communicate and build community through this mental, physical, emotional and spiritual experience. Emphasis is placed on applying experiences to practical Christian living and relationships.         
2 activity periods (3 hours)

Challenge Initiatives (CI)  •  grades 4-12
Challenge Initiatives are activities that present groups with challenging problems they must overcome by working together using problem-solving, trust, creativity, leadership and following. Applications are made to problem solving in the "real world", attitudes toward each other and biblical principles. Designed especially for groups who are too young or do not have time for the Challenge Course.            
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Cliff Rappelling (CR) •  grades 7-12
Rappelling is a special challenge in which participants lower themselves down the face of a 50-foot cliff, using safe rappelling equipment. The greatest obstacle is the fear of the unknown and of heights, but the great reward is overcoming these fears and descending the cliff in individual achievement.
*Involves rigorous hiking     
2 activity periods (3 hours)

Climbing Tower (CT) •  grades 7-12
Our 15'x40' tower will allow as many as three climber/belayer teams to "work" the wall at one time. Various sizes and types of foot/handholds, along with overhangs and "cliffs" will challenge participants to set and achieve their climbing goals. 
• Two instructors needed                    1 activity period (1½ hours)

Climbing Wall (CW)  •  grades 4-12
Participants will be introduced to the sport of rock climbing. They will be challenged to use special climbing skills and balance techniques to scale a vertical wall 8' wide and 25' high. Various hand and footholds are placed strategically on the wall for climbing. Each climber is secured by dynamic belay and is encouraged to meet personal climbing goals.
1 activity period (1½ hours)

High Ropes Course (HR)
Participants attempting the High Ropes Course must first complete the 3 hours of the Challenge Course. The High Ropes Course is composed of cables and beams, 30 feet and higher off the ground.  Participants are on belay and are equipped for optimum safety; a wonderful opportunity for personal achievement. Both indoor and outdoor options available. 
• Two instructors are needed              2 activity periods (3 hours)
Outdoor High Ropes •  grades 8-12
Indoor High Ropes •  grades 7-12

Mini-Zipline/Lake Crossing (MZC)  •  grades 4-6
Harnessed participants “zip” over our Wilderness Camp pond on a 200-foot steel cable and pulley system. Stepping off a 16-foot high platform is a safe, fun trust builder for children.                                  
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Power Swing (PS)  •  grades 4-12
Each participant is harnessed and attached to a rope, then pulled by their teammates.  When released, the rider swings in large arc downward, then up toward the heights again! Like a pendulum, the rider will eventually slow down, then dismount.
Indoor Power Swing            1 activity period (1½ hours)
Outdoor Power Swing          2 activity periods (3 hours)

Vertical Playpen (VP)  •  grades 7-12
The Vertical Playpen is an unconventional climbing experience that will allow two partners to work together while providing a variety of difficulty levels.  Partners will climb and cross a series of elements involving logs, ropes, cargo nets, and tires while moving successively upward.  The goal is to reach and stand on a 2 by 6 foot platform suspended by wire 34 feet in the air!
• Two instructors are needed             2 activity periods (3 hours)

Zipline 1 (ZL1)  •  grades 7-12
The zipline is a 550-foot inclined steel cable. Attached to this cable by a pulley and rope, the participant must take a leap of faith off a platform to experience this exhilarating ride. Individuals and groups learn to encourage one another, overcome fears and rejoice in victories.
• Two instructors needed                   1 activity period (1½ hours)

Zipline 2 (ZL2)  •  grades 8-12
An exciting study of the physics of velocity and momentum on the zipline.  Participants collect data from each other's descent and compute velocity, etc. during class time. A great application of the laws of motion to a really fun activity.
• Two instructors needed.                  2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  2.2.8 F,  2.2.11 A,  2.2.11 B,  2.2.11 D,  2.2.11 E,  2.3.8 B
NJ:  5.1.8 A3,  5.1.8 B1,  5.1.8 C2,  5.3.8 B,  5.3.12 B1,  5.7.8 A1,  5.7.8 A2,  5.7.12 A2

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Animal Life

Birds of Prey (BOP)
Participants will enjoy being up close to a living raptor (owl or hawk), seeing a variety of raptor body parts and sharing in the exciting presentation about the diverse raptor life God has created. 
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.7.4 B,  3.3.4 A                          
NJ:  5.5.4 B2,  5.5.6 B1,  5.5.6 B2
NY:  MST: ES4 The Living Environment:  1, 3, 5

Critter Scene Investigations (CSI)
An exciting class where students will test their observation and analytical skills by examining clues found at specific scenes. Was there a victim?  If so, who did it?  Can we determine what happened?  Conclusions will have to be supported by evidence found.           
1 activity period (1 ½ hours)
NJ:  5.1.4 A2,  5.1.4 A3,  5.1.4 A4

Exploring Animal Habitats (EAH)
There are many different habitats on Spruce Lake's property where animals can find a suitable home. In this activity, students will explore these diverse areas as they look for a specific home for "their" animal, while recording evidences left by other animals.           
* Involves moderate hiking
PA:  4.7.4 B                          
NJ:  5.1.4 C

Incredible Insects (II)
Within the forest community is a world of seen and unseen "creepy, crawly critters" called invertebrates. The relationships, behaviors and characteristics of these creatures are essential to the life of the community. In this class, students will look closely at the amazing world of these animals.
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.7.4 B,  3.2.4 A,  3.3.4 A                           
NJ:  5.1.4 C
NY:  MST:  ES4 The Living Environment 3

Our Bird Neighbors (OBN)
This activity focuses on the birds common to our Pocono area. Emphasis will be placed on identification techniques such as field marks, calls and songs, behavior and manner of flight.
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Red-Backed Salamander Survey (RSS)
The most common forest salamander is the Red-backed. Teams will learn how to find this salamander and calculate the population density in survey areas.
1 activity period (1 ½ hours)

Reptiles and Amphibians (RA)
Students learn about the characteristics of reptiles and amphibians by observing both living and preserved specimens. Various hands-on activities stress the differences and similarities of these animals.      
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.7.4A,  4.7.4 B,  3.2.4 A,  3.3.4 A                            
NJ:  5.1.4 C,  5.5.4 B2,  5.5.4 C1
NY:  MST:  ES4 The Living Environment 1, 3, 5

Skulls and Skins (SKS)
Much can be learned about an animal's life-style by observing its skull and skin characteristics. This activity involves hands-on learning of the features of animal skulls by using a key and observing various pelts.                                                       
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  3.3.7 A,  2.3.5 D                          
NJ:  5.5.8 B1

Survival Ecology Game (SEG)
Here students have a chance to experience firsthand what it is like to survive as an animal. This game dramatically illustrates the effects of the natural community, diversity of producers and consumers, human influences, disease and physical elements on animal populations.  Participants are given a role in the food chain, live out their roles in the "wild" and process their experience as an animal in a post-game discussion.                                                                                                            Involves running
• Requires at least 21 participants       2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.3.7 C,  4.3.7 C,  4.3.10 C                       
NJ:  5.1.8 C, 5.5.8 B2,  5.5.8 B3,  5.5.12 B2
NY:  MST:  IS4 The Living Environment 3, CS4 The Living Environment 6

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Aquatic Communities

Pond Community (PC)
This class introduces students to the major characteristics, inhabitants and dynamics of the pond. Students will collect a variety of pond organisms, recognize the relationships that exist among organisms, and learn how these animals meet their basic life needs within this community.
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.1.4 A,  4.1.4 C,  4.1.4 D,  4.1.7 C,  4.7.4 A(if taken with RF),  4.7.4 B,  3.3.4 A
NJ:  5.1.4 C,  5.1.8 C2,  5.4.4 C1
NY:  MST:  ES4 The Living Environment  1, 3, 4(if taken with FFP or THF)

Stream Community (SC)
Students are introduced to the characteristics and residents of a stream community, and the stream's importance to the larger natural community. By collecting organisms from a small stream, students will discover the interrelationships in this unique community. Participants will be wading in the stream, so old sneakers are needed.
1 activity period (1½ hours)

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Evening & Night Activities

Adventure Scavenger Hunt (ASH)
Small teams of students and adults will work together in this fun nighttime search for clues, all in the effort to gain the most points! The clues will require the team's use of nature knowledge, logic, outdoor skills, the Bible, compasses and more.                         1 activity period (1½ hours)

Astronomy: Observing the Night Sky (ONS)
The starry night has always fascinated humankind. Students will enjoy looking up into the clear night sky to identify major constellations, individual stars, planets, and other celestial objects. 
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  3.1.4 C,  3.1.4 D,  3.4.4 D,  3.4.7 D                         
NY:  MST:  IS4 The Physical Setting 1
NJ:  5.9.4 A2,  5.9.4 B1,  5.9.4 C1,  5.9.4 D1,  5.9.6 A1,  5.9.6A2,  5.9.6 B1,  5.9.6 B2,  5.9.8 A1,  5.9.8 B1,  5.9.8 C1,  5.9.8 D1

Endangered Species Clue (ESC)
This after-dark activity involves small teams of students with adults who attempt to locate hidden clue cards, which will provide information that will determine “who, how, where” regarding the death of the Great Plumed Heron.
1 activity period (1 to 1½ hours)

Nature Games (NG)
The nature game format of learning is a motivational technique, which involves groups in structured play, while learning about natural things and events. Students will play a variety of organized games, which focus on animals and relationships in nature.
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Probing the Night Realm (PNR)
Students are led into the night forest through sensory experiences, group demonstrations and discussions on nocturnal conditions. By exploring the forest at night, students can develop an awareness of the nocturnal animal world and see the forest in a different way.                                
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Wagon Ride (WR)
Often our uncovered "covered" wagon rolls into the evening program in combination with Nature Games, Birds of Prey, Probing the Night Realm or Observing the Night Sky. A fun ride for young and old! No age limit.

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Forest Communities

Forest Floor Search (FFS)
There are many living and nonliving things in a forest. In this activity, students will search the forest floor for all they can find and categorize these items. This will include green and non-green plants, animals, dead plant materials, evidence of animals, nonliving materials, soil materials and other findings. Students will discover the importance of each of these categories and their inter-relatedness.   
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.6.4 A                          
NJ:  5.1.4 C,  5.5.4 A2,  5.5.4 B1,  5.5.6 B1

Forest Food Webs (FFW)
The entire forest is dependent on the flow of nutrients and energy through both plant and animal producers and consumers. Specific food chains will be observed, with a focus on understanding more clearly how energy/nutrient pathways work.       
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.3.7 C,  4.6.7 A (if taken with SMH)                      
NJ:  5.10.6 A1
NY:  MST:  IS4 The Living Environment 6,  ES4 The Living Environment 6

From Field to Forest (FFF)
Slow but dramatic changes occur when cultivated or disturbed land is abandoned and allowed to return to forest. Students will enter the ongoing process of succession and see clearly the “return of the forest.”         
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.6.7 B, 4.6.7 C           
NJ:  5.1.8 A1,  5.1.8 A3,  5.1.8 A4,  5.1.8 B1,  5.1.8 C2

Reproduction in Forests (RF)
God made all living things to reproduce after their kinds. This class will look at the details of sexual and asexual reproduction in forest communities. Both plant and animal reproduction will be discussed.
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.7.4 A (if taken with SMH or PC)                          
NJ:  5.5.4 C1

Rotten Log Ecology (RLE)
Rotting tree trunks and stumps are a complex of plant and animal activity and decomposition. Students will systematically “dissect” portions of rotting wood to identify and understand the role of these inhabitants and visitors in the life cycle of the forest.
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.3.4 C,  4.6.4 C,  4.7.4 B                          
NJ:  5.1.4 C,  5.4.5 A2
NY:  MST:  ES4 The Living Environment 1, 3

Trees: Heart of the Forest (THF)
Trees and forests are a living green blanket, covering about 1/3 of the earth's land surface. This class will bring the students into close contact with the dominant tree species, which make up the Spruce Lake forest, typical of the Pocono region. Through various activities, students will study tree structure, methods of identification, and the ecological place of trees in the forest. The trees' vital connection to humans will also be covered.                
1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  3.3.7 A                          
NJ:  5.5.6 B1,  5.5.8 A1,  5.5.8 B1
NY:  MST:  IS4 The Living Environment 3

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Geology

Mountain and Stream Geology (MSG)
Both Spruce Mountain and Spruce Mountain Run are typical of the Pocono region. Students will explore the mountain's extensive rock outcroppings, which consist of sandstone and shale in various stages of weathering and erosion. They will also explore a stream, which cuts through this bedrock and contains much observable stream geology.
* Involves rigorous hiking          2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.1.7 A,  4.1.7 B,  3.2.7 A,  3.5.7 A
NJ:  5.1.8 A2,  5.1.8 A4,  5.1.8 B1,  5.1.8 C2,  5.8.6 A,  5.8.6 B2,  5.8.6 C1,  5.8.6 D2, 5.8.8 A,  5.8.8 C1, 5.8.8 C2,  2.5.6 D2

Water, Air, Rocks and Soil (WARS) • grades 4-6
This class introduces students to rocks, soil, and the role of water and air in breaking down rocks to form soil. Students will examine soil, perform weathering experiments, and observe these processes occurring in nature.                                    
1 activity period (1½ hours)
NJ:  5.8.4 A1,  5.8.4 A2,  5.8.4 B1                   
NY:  MST:  ES4 Physical Setting 2

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Nature Crafts

Nature Crafts (NC)
This activity utilizes natural and man-made materials to create various craft projects. Depending on the weather, students may collect their own materials or use materials collected by the staff.
1 activity period (1½ hours)

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Outdoor Skills

Advanced Orienteering (AO)  • grades 7-12
This class builds upon the skills learned in MCO (see above).  Working in our Wilderness Camp area, students will fine tune skills to find smaller control points and travel longer distances between them.
• One adult needed for every 3-5 students on a team.         2 activity periods (3 hours)
* Involves moderate hiking

Basic Compass (BC)
The compass is an instrument that uses Earth's magnetic field to determine direction. Students become familiar with compass parts, compass handling and taking bearings. They practice their skills in fun exercises and end with the Unknown Destination Hike.    
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Map and Compass Orienteering (MCO) •grades 7-12
Orienteering is finding one's way (navigating) across known and unknown terrain using a map and/or compass. Students will problem-solve situations using map and compass reading skills (including math), keen observation of the terrain, stamina for walking, and excitement for meeting the challenge.  BC (see above) recommended.
• One adult needed for every 3-5 students on a team.         2 activity periods (3 hours)
* Involves moderate hiking
PA:  2.3.8 F                          
NJ:  5.1.8 C2,  5.8.6 D1,  4.2.6 D2

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Settler Life

Ropes, Knots and Lashings (RKL)
Students will explore the origins and uses of ropes from the early settlers to our modern day.  Materials used to make ropes will be discussed. Rope terminology and simple knots will be learned hands-on. Finally, the basic technique of lashing pieces of wood together to build simple items will be practiced. In the three-hour class, a simple table will be constructed using ropes, knots and lashing.          
1 or 2 activity periods (1½ or 3 hours)

Settler History Hike (SHH)
Spruce Lake's property is an environmental “history book,” which chapters and pages record evidence of human presence here in the Pocono Mountains and valleys. Students will be led through many areas where obvious and subtle evidences of human life can be found. Selected areas include old foundations, dump sites, old stone fence rows, lumbering sites, apple trees, overgrown fields, power lines, farmed land, excavations, carriage roads, trails and other evidences of human presence.
* Involves moderate hiking                  2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.8.7 B,  4.8.7 C,  4.8.7 D          
NJ:  5.10.6 B2
NY:  MST:  IS4 The Living Environment 7

Timber Cruising (TC) •  grades 8-12
Teams will determine tree species, then use measuring devices, formulae and charts to measure various dimensions of trees. The volume of lumber in board feet of given trees and a test plot area will then be determined.                                        
2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  2.2.5 A,  2.2.5 D,  2.2.5 E,  2.2.5 G 2.2.8 E,  2.2.8 F,  2.3.5 C,  2.3.5 D,  2.3.5 E,  2.9.5 C,  2.11.5 F
NJ:  5.3.8 B,  5.3.8 D1,  4.1.5 B5,  4.1.5 C1,  4.1.5 C2,  4.1.5 C3,  4.1.5 C4,  4.1.6 B6,  4.1.6 C2,  4.1.6 C3,  4.1.6 C4,  4.5 (4-8) A1
NY:  MST:  IS1 Mathematical Analysis 3,  IS3 Uncertainty 6 (the first half of this standard)

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Trail Hiking Adventures

Changing Creation Hike (CCH)
This moderate hike emphasizes the dynamics of environmental changes in God's creation. Factors of change, such as physical elements (weather, erosion, etc.) and biological causes (browsing, succession, etc.).        
* Involves moderate hiking                  2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.6.7 B

Mountain and Stream Geology (MSG)
Both Spruce Mountain and Spruce Mountain Run are typical of the Pocono region...See detailed description in Geology section.
* Involves moderate hiking                    2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.1.7 A,  4.1.7 B,  3.2.7 A,  3.5.7 A           
NJ:  5.1.8 A2,  5.1.8 A4,  5.1.8 B1,  5.1.8 C2,  5.8.6 A,  5.8.6 B2,  5.8.6 C1,  5.8.6 D2, 5.8.8 A,  5.8.8 C1,  5.8.8 C2,  2.5.6 D2

Settler History Hike (SHH)
Spruce Lake's property is an environmental “history book,” which chapters and pages record evidence of human presence here in the Pocono Mountains and valleys. … 
See detailed description in Settler Life section. 
* Involves moderate hiking                   2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.8.7 B,  4.8.7 C,  4.8.7 D                          
NJ:  5.10.6 B2
NY:  MST:  IS4 The Living Environment 7

Spruce Mountain Hike (SMH)
This rigorous mountain hike introduces students to God's creation.  Students will observe and experience plants, animals, natural forces, rock outcroppings, waterfalls and a spectacular view of the Pocono region.  Rules of safety and behavior are developed. Basic vocabulary and concepts are introduced, and use of all five senses is emphasized. Spruce Mountain Hike lays the foundation for the outdoor program and is usually the first learning activity on the day of arrival.
* Involves rigorous hiking                   2 activity periods (3 hours)
PA:  4.6.7 A (if taught with FFW ),  4.7.4 A (if taught with RF),  4.7.4 B,  3.2.4 B,  10.4.3 A,  10.4.6 A
NJ:  5.1.4 C,  5.1.8 C2,  2.5.4 D2,  2.5.6 D2

Waterfalls Hike (WFH)
This is a short trail adventure up into Spruce Mountain to the waterfall area. Groups explore the forest, stream and numerous waterfalls through a stream valley, then return.
* Involves moderate hiking                  1 activity period (1½ hrs)
PA:  4.6.7 A (if taught with FFW ),  4.7.4 A (if taught with RF),  4.7.4 B,  3.2.4 B,  10.4.3 A,  10.4.6 A
NJ:  5.1.4 C,  5.1.8 C2,  2.5.4 D2,  2.5.6 D2

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Wetland Communities

Surface Water Quality (SWQ)  •   grades 7-12
This class emphasizes the importance of surface water quality.  Students will learn about the hydrologic cycle and the impact humans can have on that system. Through data collection and chemical tests, students will be able to identify and evaluate the “health” of various bodies of water.   
2 activity periods (3 hours)

Woodland Swamp (WS)
Students are led into a wetland area characterized by moist-habitat trees, fallen tree remains, deep mucky pools, sphagnum moss, spongy root systems, rich soils, fungi and evidence of animals. Students will discover the relationships within a swamp and the importance of wetlands.
• Bring old shoes or boots.                   1 activity period (1½ hours)
PA:  4.1.7 D,  4.1.7 E,  4.1.10 D,  4.1.10 E,  4.1.12 D                   
NJ:  5.1.8 C2,  5.5.8 B2,  5.5.8 B3,  5.10.6 B2

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Winter Classes

Winter jacket, hat, gloves and boots needed for these outdoor classes

Cross Country Skiing (CCS)
An introduction to the basic equipment and techniques of cross country skiing — gliding, climbing, turning and braking, along with safety issues.  Practice then takes place on a snow-covered field. The group will then ski a trail, where they will be able to refine their techniques and be immersed in the winter woods.                 
Aerobic activity
• Two instructors needed           1 or 2 activity periods (1½ or 3 hrs.)

Maple Sugaring (MS)
During late February and early March, maple tree sap flows from the roots to the buds. Sugar and Red Maple trees are tapped, the sap collected, and then boiled in our Sugar Shack until fresh, hot maple syrup is obtained. Students learn about the inner workings of the tree and the outer work of making syrup.
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Signs of Animals in Winter (SAW)
This is a fascinating winter activity using observation skills and the excitement of learning about the habits of animals without seeing the actual animal.  So much can be told about animals' behavior and private life from designs or clues. Students learn to interpret animal signs and identify the animal.            
1-2 activity periods (1½ to 3 hours)
PA:  4.7.4 B                          
NJ:  5.1.4 C

Snow Orienteering (SO)
Participants will venture into the woodland snowfall to learn basic compass skills and apply these skills to orienteering through the winter forest environment.            
1 activity period (1½ hours)

Snowshoeing (SSH)
Participants will learn how to use snowshoes as an outdoor skill, including walking, turning and climbing techniques. Practice in open areas precedes snowshoeing into the forest. Snowshoeing will often be combined with animal tracking or other winter forest studies, general explorations and winter orienteering.
1 or 2 activity periods (1½ or 3 hours)

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SPRUCE LAKE OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Your place for:

Customize your experience:

· Bring your own spiritual speakers and/or worship leaders
· Journal/photograph/videotape your experiences
· AV equipment available, upon request, for your presentations
· Campfire sites available for worship, devotions or S’mores (we supply sticks, you bring ingredients)
· Snack Shop and Gift Shop visits available
· Private meeting rooms for your devotions
· Multiple recreation activities for your “free” time: tennis, basketball & volleyball courts, mini-golf; indoor game room with pool tables, billiards, shuffleboard, air hockey & ping pong
· Nature walks – Trail Maps available at front desk

Spruce Lake Outdoor School
Educational Ministry of Spruce Lake Retreat

Spruce Lake Outdoor School is a Christian educational ministry of SPRUCE LAKE RETREAT, located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania. Canadensis, PA is easily accessible from Interstates 80, 380, and 84. We’re just 2.5 hours from Philadelphia; 2 hours from New York City and Newark, NJ.

Our 370 acres provide natural study settings that include a mountain stream, a small lake, a pond, various wetlands, mixed hardwood and conifer forests and abandoned homesteads. Nearby Spruce Mountain (1,965 feet) provides challenging hiking and discovery. Participants lodge in modern facilities, and buffet-style meals are served with seating in a comfortable dining room.

RR 1, Box 605
Canadensis, PA 18325-9749

RESERVATIONS: 800-822-7505
FAX: 570-595-3255
WEB: sprucelake.org

Spruce Lake Retreat is a Christian retreat center and camp begun in 1963 and owned by Franconia Mennonite Camp Assoc., Inc. and a member of Christian Camp & Conference Association (CCCA), and Mennonite Camp Association(MCA)
Fall 2006 Edition