Field Trip Activities
SOAC specializes in day trips in Sauk County for classes grades K-5.
We also provide adventures for older students, summer programs, and homeschool or adult groups, including teachers needing training in outdoor environmental or adventure education!
Hiking Year-Round
No matter the season, there is something wonderful and educational to discover in nature! We plan an adventure with you to a nature location of your choice, focusing on the needs and interests of your group and the highlights of the season. Each destination also has unique features that help shape the topics of the day, ranging from geology and botany to adaptations and WI history. We love to incorporate age-appropriate challenges, like a steep hill, to help students take healthy risks and build self-esteem. Your hike will be led by an experienced naturalist and can be tailored to focus on particular science standards by request. Minimum timeframe - 1 hour
The Big Canoe
We provide life jackets and paddles for use in our 33' canoe. The canoe holds up to 22 people for Kindergarten classes or about 15 adults. It is extremely sturdy, so it can be used even in cold temperatures when students are wearing winter coats, hats, etc. Students learn how to paddle and explore the lake, often spotting ducks, geese and turtles sunning on logs. At Mirror Lake State Park, we paddle past sandstone bluffs where cliff swallows nest. Students see aquatic life when boating as well, while they practice working together with their fellow paddlers. The trip is led by an experienced naturalist and can be tailored to focus on particular science standards by request. Minimum timeframe - 1 hour
Kayaks, Canoes & Paddleboards
Students ages 10+ and adults can enjoy our fleet of individual boats at a destination of your choice. We provide life jackets and paddles, as well as paddling instruction, for your group at the start of the trip. We can also lead a guided tour of the lake upon request, where students can learn about shoreline habitat, aquatic life, and more. Minimum timeframe - 1.5 hours
Snowshoeing
Winter in Wisconsin is the perfect time to spot animal tracks, deer beds and other wonders. We have a set of 100 pairs of snowshoes, in three different sizes ranging from young child to adult. We lead groups as young as kindergarteners through the snow, exploring and discovering that winter is a fun time to be outdoors. The trip is led by an experienced naturalist and can be tailored to focus on particular science standards by request. The destination possibilities are endless, as long as there is a few inches or more of snow on the ground. Minimum timeframe - 1 hour
Pond Study
So many interesting living things call lakes and streams home. In a pond study, SOAC provides large and small nets, identification charts and buckets so students can find and study aquatic life. This is a wonderful add-on to a hike or boating trip at a location with a pond, lake or stream. Minimum timeframe - 1 hour
Conservation Projects
Especially popular around Earth Day (April 22nd), students make a positive difference on a local natural area by removing invasive species, collecting trash or planting native trees or prairie grasses/wildflowers. SOAC begins with a short lesson on how the project will benefit the environment, plus instructions. Then the children complete their service project, often yielding a visible, rewarding difference that the students can feel proud of. This is a wonderful add-on to a hike or boating trip, or a stand-alone experience. The trip is led by an experienced naturalist and can be tailored to focus on particular science standards by request. Pulling invasive garlic mustard is an especially easy and impactful conservation project early-April through early-May. Minimum timeframe - 45 minutes
Team Building
Reedsburg Schools have access to a low ropes course at the Hartje Center. We lead grades 2 and up through activities to build camaraderie and give students the opportunity to work together and develop empathy. This trip works well at the start of a school year, and can be a half day trip all its own, or coupled with a hike, campfire and more. Minimum timeframe - 2 hours
Educator Training
Would your staff like tips and guidance about how to incorporate nature and the outdoors into the school day? SOAC can provide inservice or weekend workshops for seasoned or aspiring educators. Our latest collaborations have been with Edgewood College and SWTC. Please contact soacjen@gmail.com to learn more.
SOAC field trips compliment your classroom learning goals!
Curriculum:
Science
Writing
Art
Geography
Physical fitness
Life Skills:
Team building
Endurance
Self confidence
Responsibility
Patience