As the buds and blossoms are awakening in the valleys and hillsides of Appalachia, area school children are touching, sniffing, observing and awakening their senses at Camp Andrew Jackson, a program of the Christian Appalachian Project (CAP). Camp A.J. has extended an invitation to area school systems in the counties of Jackson and Rockcastle to participate in their Outdoor Education Program. The Outdoor Education Program combines wildlife, vegetation and aquatic activities, in addition to presenting a holistic view of the environment and responsibility to care for it.
     The program is designed from several sources and curricula, in an effort to enforce KERA goals in an outdoor setting. Lessons are constructed for every grade level in a manner that would allow students to continue building upon the base of knowledge they will be gaining year after year, while at the same time addressing the KERA goals for each level. Over five hundred students will participate during the months of March and April.
     "The program provides a different setting for learning that not only makes it enjoyable for the students, but also for the staff and teachers," said Matt Krupp, Manager of Camp Andrew Jackson.

     In one of the outdoor activities, blindfolds are placed on students, as they rely on their senses of touch, hearing and smell to experience natural objects (trees, leaves, moss, bark). Observations are made around the lake that surrounds the camp to identify wildlife and habitat in another advanced activity. Older students identify environmental problems of concern and explore how human activities alter ecosystems. The program takes advantage of the landscape surrounding Camp A.J, utilizing the hiking trails, lake and natural wonders sprouting at every turn.
     “Because it’s such a hands-on experience, the students are able to recall more from ‘active learning’, as experience is the best teacher,” commented Ms. Miller, a third grade teacher from Sand Gap Elementary, who brought her classroom to take part in the education adventure.
     “Our goal is that the program be consistent year after year and they’ll keep coming back,” added Ali Lien, a CAP volunteer at Camp Andrew Jackson.
     Christian Appalachian Project is an interdenominational, nonprofit Christian service organization, committed to serving people in need in Appalachia by providing physical, spiritual and emotional support through education, crisis intervention and community development. With more than seventy programs and services, CAP’s efforts reach people through the thirteen Appalachian states.