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 he Outdoor Education Program, based at the Lathrop E. Smith Environmental Education Center serves students in grades K-12 throughout the county with two student-centered programs. The residential program provides on-site, hands-on environmental education experiences  to the total sixth grade population. Students attend the residential program for a 3 day/2 night program. The two components of the day program serve students in the elementary grades, as well as secondary and alternative program students. The center is also utilized by a variety of MCPS programs and schools for staff development several times each year. The center provides teacher-training activities that include classes and workshops emphasizing environmental studies and their application to teaching in the out-of-doors as well as in the classroom.
Sixth graders at each middle school participate in the residential outdoor education program. Students are accompanied by their teachers and other school staff who provide instruction and supervision during their stay.  An outdoor education teacher, who has already provided planning assistance, will be on-site for orientation, program coordination, and to provide direct instruction to students. While in residence, students learn about various aspects of the environment as they participate in activities that cannot be carried out at the home school. These activities provide opportunities to put into practice the thinking processes, skills, and strategies developed in the classroom. By sharing this twenty-four hour a day experience with fellow sixth graders, teachers, and high school or parent volunteers, each student gains a better understanding of others. There is a per student fee that covers expenses.
The Day Program consists of field trips to the Smith Center or to Maydale Nature Center. Students participate in a variety of topics of environmental interest, conduct activities to explore the natural sciences, take part in living history simulations, and practice the skills associated with the MCPS science and social studies curriculum. Activities are designed to be hands-on in nature, highly engaging, and provide students with authentic learning opportunities. The trips are free except for the cost of transportation and take place during the school day.
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