Our staff has studied everything from geology and sociology to English and
exercise science! Before receiving certification to lead Bradford Woods
programs, all staff participate in an intensive training which incorporates
theories and methodologies of experiential education, environmental
relationships and processes, and group management and dynamics.
Both our Thematic and Modular type programs are tailored to meet Indiana
State Standards:
Thematic Programs use connecting themes to approach cross-curricular concepts.
Because the learning is cooperative and experiential, students leave with a wide
variety of knowledge and applicable skills. All while having fun and working
together. Thematic learning has proven extremely effective. At Bradford Woods
we see these results on a daily basis.
Forest Communities
This three-day residential program is designed to focus on the importance of
communities. Students will begin by identifying their own community and then
move on to explore a community within Bradford Woods. Groups may explore an
area dominated by pine trees, a section of forest bordering a lake, or a
section of forest that neighbors a meadow. The field experience will focus
on examining the forest in depth. Time will be spent studying the physical
aspects of the forest, such as the soil, plants, and trees as well as the
interrelationships that exist. Students will also study the forest from the
perspective of its inhabitants. This program is designed to provide students
with an opportunity to extensively observe and explore different forest
communities within Bradford Woods. Journals are used throughout the program
as a tool to guide students through their exploration, as well as giving
them a chance to creatively express themselves through writing and drawing.
Eagles to the Nest
As the
home to one of Indiana's pairs of Bald Eagles, Bradford Woods is proud to
provide this educational opportunity. This project is designed to teach students
in grades 4 - 8 about the Bald Eagle and its interactions within the
environment. Journals are used throughout
the program as a tool to guide students through their exploration, as well as
giving them a chance to creatively express themselves through writing and
drawing. It is also an excellent
resource for anyone wanting to learn more about birds of prey. This curriculum
combines web-based activities in the classroom with hands-on outside
experiences. The information provided on the web site, in combination with
outdoor activities and other classroom learning, will strengthen understanding
of the complexities of our relationships with other creatures that share the
earth. View web-based curriculum...
Journeys Through
the Watershed
The Journeys Through the Watershed program is a three-day residential program
designed to focus on the importance of watersheds. In the program,
students have an opportunity to learn about and explore a watershed.
Students also learn about their own place in the watershed, understanding not
only how watersheds are important to their life but also the impact that they
have on the health of their own watershed. A thematic program such as
Journeys Through the Watershed focuses on connecting information from various
subject areas to allow students to use the information more effectively.
As a particular subject is covered, its relation to other subject areas is also
explored. This approach provides students with a holistic view.
During the program, students will be given the opportunity to “get their hands
dirty”, take calculations, and research aquatic life.
Journals are used throughout the program as a tool to guide students through
their exploration, as well as giving them a chance to creatively express
themselves through writing and drawing.
Overnight programming allows students of all ages and grade levels multiple,
consecutive days to participate in hands-on experiences that encourage in-depth learning.
Students spend the day learning in and about their natural environment and enjoying recreational
opportunities such as fishing and canoeing. Evening programs such as night experiences and
astronomy fill students’ evenings. Overnight Programming provides an invaluable opportunity
to increase each participant’s knowledge of environmental processes and relationships as
well as awareness of historical and cultural influences. 
