Is Outdoor Education Mandatory?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have several neighbors whose kids are in college who have had bed bug scares. They do what could be considered the minimum treatment and things go back to normal. None of them have ever had a second outbreak. That doesn't sound like bedbugs. A real bedbug infestation is difficult to get rid of, not that they are complaining.

There have been multiple reports of bedbugs on DCUM which could be multiple reports of the same incident or multiple reports of "bugs of any type" being hauled home from outdoor ed.

"There have been multiple reports of bedbugs at the Skycroft facility. We got a note home the year my younger daughter went. They were in another cabin."

Not sure how you can reach that conclusion. The school sent home a report of "confirmed bed bugs". I'm going with bed bugs, not bugs of any type.

[Anonymous]

When my kid went to Outdoor ed she was nervous at being away from home so I volunteered to be a parent chaperone. Although it was very cold we had a good time. Food was amazing and we enjoyed the activities. Now that she is older and has experienced going away by herself she is more confident and enjoys her experiences. She recently went on a 10th grade trip ( private school) and had a blast.

Some kids take longer to be "independent" but, with encouragement can get there on their own.

[Anonymous]

My son struggles with anxiety and so Outdoor Ed was a difficult experience. Ended up having to bring him home early. We tried but he wasn't able to manage his worries. So, my advice is to know your child and do what works best for your family.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My son struggles with anxiety and so Outdoor Ed was a difficult experience. Ended up having to bring him home early. We tried but he wasn't able to manage his worries. So, my advice is to know your child and do what works best for your family.

My child also struggles. He did not come home early but also didn't have a great experience.

[Anonymous]

MCPS employs over 13,000 teachers currently. How many pedophiles do you think have been found guilty for you to argue MCPS routinely has them on staff?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:MCPS employs over 13,000 teachers currently. How many pedophiles do you think have been found guilty for you to argue MCPS routinely has them on staff?

dozens and many are repeat offenders that are left in classrooms even after reports and even after CPS investigations of indicated child abuse

how many child victims are acceptable for you and the board of education?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What do they serve food wise there? Do they accommodate kids with allergies or special diets? I would love for my child to go but was wondering if they provide options for kids with special dietary needs. My child has a dairy, egg and nut allergies.

Same boat here. But: There is no way I will trust mcps not to kill my kid with cross contaminated food!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You can opt out, but it isn't an excused absence and your child will probably face some social fallout from peers.

This is a load of BS! Outdoor Education isn't all that serious and some students think it's lame. Don't be over dramatic.

Some students think it's lame because they don't like being separated from their electronic devices and their own bed. Those kids are lame and immature.
Outdoor ed is a great experience.
It also helps the teachers get to know the kids better. If your kid misses this he/she misses a lot and will feel disconnected from the school community.

Lady - you might be from another culture but you are in this one now and your child is being raised in this one. Let the kid go!!

Also - don't spend too much time glorifying your culture. You KNOW that your culture has some serious issues - spend some time remembering that. It will help your perspective in assimilating into aspects of this one.

After this experience please also sign your kid up for a week of single sex summer camp doing fun things out in the woods for next summer. It's one of the best things in our culture to participate in at this age. It's fun, it teaches independence and resourcefulness and social skills - and it's fun.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What do they serve food wise there? Do they accommodate kids with allergies or special diets? I would love for my child to go but was wondering if they provide options for kids with special dietary needs. My child has a dairy, egg and nut allergies.

Same boat here. But: There is no way I will trust mcps not to kill my kid with cross contaminated food!

+1,000

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS employs over 13,000 teachers currently. How many pedophiles do you think have been found guilty for you to argue MCPS routinely has them on staff?

dozens and many are repeat offenders that are left in classrooms even after reports and even after CPS investigations of indicated child abuse

how many child victims are acceptable for you and the board of education?

List "the dozens".

[Anonymous]

It is not required but optional --

Let your kid to decide ! Mine said "no !"

[Anonymous]

OP here. Wow, I didn't realize that this thread was still going on. However, I want to give an update. Long story short I allowed my child to participate in Outdoor Education. He really wanted to go despite my apprehension. He left Monday morning from his middle school here in Howard County. He just returned home yesterday from North Bay. He had a fantastic time. His experiences at North Bay were great! He was able to have his best friend in his cabin. In addition, he established new friendships from this trip. He couldn't stop talking about all the fun that he had. My heart truly goes out for teachers who go out of their way to make Outdoor Education an enjoyable experience for children.

When I wrote this post back in August I was frustrated and nervous about Outdoor Education. I attended a parent's orientation before the trip and my mind was still convinced to not allow my child to go. Yes, I was coming up with all types of negative thoughts about Outdoor Education. I'm saying all of this to remind others that are hesitant about Outdoor Education that it is going to be okay. Everything is going to be okay. Your child will have a wonderful time. As parents we worry about our children's safety. We want to insure that we are making the right decisions on their behalf. I'm going to be honest, I had certain biases and misconceptions about Outdoor Education. I have always taught my children to keep an open mind and don't be afraid to explore all the positives things that are out there in the world. Well, I had to adjust my attitude when my son repeated my own saying back to me. Actually, it was my child who convinced me to allow him to participate. Now that it is over I can't believe that I was so uptight about it. It was a complete waste of time and energy. Believe me, this was a learning experience for me as well. I'm truly grateful for the staff at his middle school, the chaperones, and the staff at North Bay for putting parents like me at ease.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I never understand why people make such a big deal about this. My oldest did outdoor ed a couple of years ago and you'd think from some parents' reactions that the kids were being deployed to Iraq. And there's always posts here freaking out too.

My kid went to a nature center based in a lovely area of Rockville. Parents could volunteer aka check up on their kids. It was pretty standard fare bonding activities and camp stuff. The kids had chores to do around the center and in the cafeteria for meals. It wasn't a life changing experience but it was a traumatic one either - it was mostly no big deal (although my son was happy to miss a few days of classes.)

The helicopter types are the ones who make a big deal about it. They cannot stand the thought of not being in control for four days. I say deal with it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS employs over 13,000 teachers currently. How many pedophiles do you think have been found guilty for you to argue MCPS routinely has them on staff?

dozens and many are repeat offenders that are left in classrooms even after reports and even after CPS investigations of indicated child abuse

how many child victims are acceptable for you and the board of education?

List "the dozens".

News blackout in your house? There was just another arrest yesterday to add to the list. That's 12 in the last year alone that have made the news. There are 20 on leave due to suspicions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:MCPS employs over 13,000 teachers currently. How many pedophiles do you think have been found guilty for you to argue MCPS routinely has them on staff?

dozens and many are repeat offenders that are left in classrooms even after reports and even after CPS investigations of indicated child abuse

how many child victims are acceptable for you and the board of education?

List "the dozens".

News blackout in your house? There was just another arrest yesterday to add to the list. That's 12 in the last year alone that have made the news. There are 20 on leave due to suspicions.

Not a teacher. In fact, not an MCPS employee at all.