The Outdoor Classroom, established in 2021, is an educational institution in Zurich that offers unique and enriching learning experiences in an outdoor setting. Their mission is to cater to the individual needs of each child, fostering creativity, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
Camps and Activities
The Outdoor Classroom provides day camps during Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn public school holidays for children aged 4 to 10 years. Each camp is designed to offer diverse activities that keep children engaged and excited about learning.
Sports Holidays
Dates
- 10.02.2025 - 14.02.2025
- 17.02.2025 - 21.02.2025
Activities
- Monday: Introduction to various sports and team-building
exercises.
- Tuesday: Outdoor games focusing on coordination and agility.
- Wednesday: Nature hikes combined with physical challenges.
- Thursday: Water-based activities and safety lessons.
- Friday: Mini-Olympics and award ceremony.
Spring Holidays
Dates
- 22.04.2025 - 25.04.2025
- 28.04.2025 - 02.05.2025
Activities
- Nature walks and wildlife spotting.
- Gardening and learning about plant life cycles.
- Outdoor art projects using natural materials.
- Team-building games and problem-solving challenges.
Summer Holidays
Dates
14.07.2025 - 18.07.2025
21.07.2025 - 25.07.2025
28.07.2025 - 01.08.2025
04.08.2025 - 08.08.2025
11.08.2025 - 15.08.2025
Activities
- Exploration of different ecosystems.
- Water play and learning about aquatic life.
- Creative workshops including crafts and storytelling.
- Physical activities like climbing and obstacle courses.
Autumn Holidays
Dates
- 06.10.2025 - 10.10.2025
- 13.10.2025 - 17.10.2025
Activities
- Studying seasonal changes and leaf collecting.
- Harvesting and cooking with seasonal produce.
- Building shelters and basic survival skills.
- Group games that promote cooperation and communication.
Curriculum and Objectives
The curriculum at The Outdoor Classroom is designed to provide hands-on learning and exploration, helping children develop important life skills such as teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Activities are tailored to suit different interests and abilities, ensuring every child feels included and valued.
Key Objectives
- Personal Development: Foster self-confidence and independence through outdoor challenges.
- Social Skills: Encourage teamwork and communication via group activities.
- Environmental Awareness: Instill a sense of responsibility towards nature and sustainability.
- Physical Health: Promote physical fitness through active play and exploration.
Teachers and Staff
The Outdoor Classroom is led by qualified teachers and support helpers who inspire learning. Small group sizes allow teachers to discover each child's motivation to learn. The teachers' role is to inspire learning through providing play opportunities, asking questions, and exploring.
Founder:
- Sally Draffan: An enthusiast about children's education, physical and mental well-being, and the outdoors. With many years of international experience working with children of all ages, Sally believes that children thrive when provided a fitting environment. It's her mission to promote outdoor learning through educational programmes for children, supporting each child's journey of discovery with a core focus on health and well-being.
