5th Grade Students Embark on an Outdoor Adventure to Nature’s Classroom

At the Ethical Culture Fieldston School, the health and wellness of our students are foremost on our minds. For our students, this is multidimensional and encompasses all aspects of health. A commitment to holistic development — including learning both inside and outside the classroom — helps to build healthy habits and is evident in our diverse programming. Earlier this fall, both Ethical Culture and Fieldston Lower’s 5th Grade classes participated in one of the most anticipated annual traditions, an adventure to Nature’s Classroom in Lakeville, Connecticut.

ECFS 5th Grade students smile together while sitting in a gazeebo.

5th Graders from Fieldston Lower pose and smile together outside of cabin at Nature's Classroom.

Photo of mini wooden schoolhouse at Nature's Classroom that says "Open the Door to Adventure."

5th Graders cross stream using sticks in the woods at Nature's Classroom.

Ethical culture students pose and smile together around firepit at Nature's Classroom.

Ethical Culture students hike to a lake together at Nature's Classroom.

Nature's Classroom is more than just an outdoor adventure; it's an expedition for our students to delve into self-understanding, connect with their environment, and foster deeper relationships beyond the traditional classroom setting. The program allows students to nurture their interests by giving them the opportunity to select different field group classes once they are there. Examples include crafting bottle rockets, exploring animal dissections, building a geodesic dome, as well as meditation and yoga.

Fieldston Lower students help each other with ropes course at Nature's Classroom.

Students and Fieldston Lower Assistant Principal pose together with football.

Ethical Culture students pose and smile around firepit.

Students pose with bottle rockets at Nature's Classroom.

Fieldston Lower students play game together outside of cabin at Nature's Clasroom.

Students pose together inside the dining hall at Nature's Classroom.

“When learning outdoors, nature becomes another entity to trust, collaborate with, and learn from. The joy of constructing a structure that can bear one's weight or building a fire to cook over can help transform mindsets. Working with what the earth provides can set children on a path to true land stewardship,” explains Fieldston Lower 5th Grade teacher Rebecca Butler.

Students pose on ropes course element at Nature's Classroom.

Students pose together in dining hall at Nature's Classroom.

Fieldston Lower pose with rocks they found at Nature's Classroom.

Ethical Culture students pose around firepit at Nature's Classroom.

Fieldston Lower students show tool they made at Nature's Classroom.

“This trip is such a special opportunity to see students engage with the natural world and build connections beyond the classroom. They get to have new experiences with their classmates and teachers, like campfire sing-alongs and a nighttime hike through the woods. It's a joy to see them deepen their friendships and develop a greater appreciation for nature,” added Fieldston Lower 5th Grade teacher Dani Cardia.

Students go on nature walk through the woods at Nature's Classroom.

Ethical Culture chaperones pose together in front of lake.

Student poses in front of firepit while making s'mores.

Whether it's the patient task of building campfires without the crutch of matches, the curious hunt for creek salamanders, or the collaborative spirit of team-building games, each activity is designed to foster a sense of resilience, curiosity, and cooperation. This experiential trip infused our students with lots of fresh air, sunshine, and bonding time in the great outdoors!

Students give each other piggy back rides outside.

Students work together to complete ropes course challenge.

Navigating through an unfamiliar setting presents challenges for some students, but the moments that push them beyond their comfort zones often result in exciting outcomes. "A few students told their field instructors that they didn't like nature and being dirty on the first day, and by the final day, I overheard one of these students say, 'field groups are kind of fun.' It was really gratifying to see how a change of environment could challenge our students in a way that is different than how we try to challenge them in the classroom," explains Ethical Culture 5th Grade teacher Alessia Cook.

Students sit around firepit at night at Nature's Classroom.

Fieldston Lower chaperones pose together.

Recognizing the intrinsic link between physical health and overall well-being, Butler emphasizes, “The Nature’s Classroom instructors honor the children's interests and personalities while fostering a sense of communal well-being. This model's impact is evident upon the students’ return to campus.”

Fieldston Lower students and chaperone pose in big group at Nature's Classroom.

Cabin near a lake at Nature's Classroom.

Students hold signs welcoming back 5th Graders after their trip.

Trips like Nature's Classroom bring our students to new environments, where the blend of physical activities and immersive experiences not only strengthens friendships and pushes students beyond their comfort zones but also ignites curiosity about the natural world. This holistic approach ensures that our students not only gain essential life skills but also cultivate a foundation for lifelong health and well-being that will shape their character well into the future!