Discovering the Outdoors

In the small hours of a Monday morning, fifth grade boys and girls are awakened by their parents for a long-anticipated adventure.

With pillows, stuffed animals, and prepacked suitcases in hand, they board buses parked at the school. Their heroic teachers do their best—amid the great excitement—to keep students seated until they finally pass through the Forest Glen gate.

Wonder has been waiting.

The Start of Outdoor Education Season

This season marks the beginning of our Outdoor Education program, where fifth and sixth graders travel to camp for a field trip they will never forget. Here in the East Texas Pineywoods, an experienced team of program staff—passionate about sharing the wonders of creation—welcome campers with open arms.

Through hands-on learning experiences, students will be immersed in astonishing ecosystems and discover the incredible environment God has placed around them.

Hands-On Learning in God’s Creation

Students will learn to identify the trees towering over the trails and the fish swimming beneath their canoes. In a safe, controlled setting, they can hold reptiles, amphibians, insects, and arachnids while exploring the fascinating adaptations the Lord has given each creature.

They will:

• Work together in team-building initiatives
• Discover the hidden lives of animals in the forest
• See the environment through a lens of wonder

These lessons go beyond science—they build trust, spark curiosity, and inspire gratitude.

The Power of Wonder in Education

Wonder draws our focus away from ourselves. It is a path leading to gratitude and growth—something students are often more open to, being less burdened by the busyness and pride we adults carry. Lord, help us to wonder more!

In Genesis 1, after creating the unfathomable beauty of the world, God called it “good.” Yet when He made mankind in His image (Gen. 1:27), He called it “very good.” Amid all the wonders these students will encounter, they themselves are the greatest. By God’s grace, we get to help them see that truth.

How You Can Help

If you’d like to join us in showing students this truth, you can:

• Pray along with us during this Outdoor Education season
• Support our ministry financially at forestglen.org/donate

Thank you for your partnership in this ministry. Together, we are shaping hearts and minds through education, learning, and the beauty of God’s creation.

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