Mohican Outdoor School traces its history back to 1961; over 180,000 students have learned more about their environment in our hands-on, experienced-centered classes in an outdoor setting. The program at Mohican is one of enrichment in all phases of elementary and middle school education. Special sessions are offered with many age groups, however, the 5th and 6th grade levels make up most of the student body. Teachers from participating schools work together with Mohican staff in selecting classes. Programs are offered in resident experiences lasting 3, 4, or 5 days during the school year from September to May. Mohican School operates from the Mohican Environmental Learning Center near Butler in Richland County, Ohio owned and operated by Mohican Outdoor School.
 

The Mohican Curriculum is designed to enhance the curriculum of the participating school by providing hands-on classes in an outdoor setting. The curriculum currently helps reinforce the Proficiency Test Standards set by the Ohio Department of Education. Mohican School's thematic approach is to create a community where all aspects of the resident experience help students develop a sense of responsibility and stewardship toward the environment. Teachers from the participating schools work with Mohican staff in selecting classes. A sampling of the subject areas includes: Living History, Survival Skills, Bird Banding, Astronomy, Compass, Herpetology, Mammals, Exploration, Dendrology, Meteorology, Limnology, Geology, Ecology, Creative Writing, and Conservation.

The Faculty and Staff includes certified teachers and others with B.A., M.A., and Ph.D degrees. Individuals with associate degrees, college students, college and high school interns, plus others with specialized skills complete the staff. All are rich in experience in outdoor education and environmental awareness. Teachers from participating schools may elect to earn graduate credit from the Professional Development office of Ashland University.

Community Life is an important part of Mohican Outdoor School. Students have responsibilities to keep the community and educational atmosphere in harmony. Dorm inspection promotes responsibility to oneself and respect for others. Nutritional, well balanced meals are served family style, and table manners make for a pleasant eating experience. To encourage conservation, food waste is weighed at each meal and reported to the students. Because of these experiences in community living, students leave our school with an appreciation of themselves, others, and the environment.

The School operates from its own Environmental Learning Center near Butler in Richland County, Ohio (see student orientation map with photos of the ELC location). There are ponds, creeks, hills and miles of trails through varied forest and field habitats! Modern dining rooms, restrooms, dormitories, indoor classrooms and a school store complement the wonderful outdoor classrooms. See Parent's FAQ's.

Special Events are an important part of the total Mohican Outdoor School experience. Incorporated into our resident program are:
 

When Ashland University examined the evaluation forms that Mohican asks the resident students to fill out at the end of their week, the AU team suggested adding the following: "If I were asked to explain to a new student what the Outdoor School was all about, I would tell them . . .(Here are two recent responses)
 

A sixth grader at Iberia School in the Northmor District wrote: "My week at Mohican was really fun! I went to a lot of fun classes. They were a lot different that regular school. The best class I went to was herpetology. In herpetology I got to walk in a creek and look for frogs, salamanders, and other reptiles and amphibians. I also got to see and pet a snake. The week at Mohican was really fun and so were all the teachers. I hope I can go again someday!"

Comments from the teachers who come to Mohican with the students from their districts are always welcome and help to shape the Mohican program. "The MOS Staff were loving, caring, and knowledgeable, -- combine all these attrituibutes and then place them in the beautiful Mohican setting. In addition the staff also gave my students fabulous lessons that involved integrated instruction, co-operative learning, and inter-disciplinary instruction." (Principal from participating school district.)

Consider the description of (John): "a difficult student in a traditional setting. He typically fidgets . . . One way he manages to get the attention he desires is by questioning and verbally challenging what is being taught. . . often viewed as a 'troublemaker' by both his peers and his teachers. In observing this same student in the Outdoor School setting, a very different observation was made. Due to the 'hands-on' interactive nature of the classes conducted here, the student had no need to question what was being presented. He, instead, was able to involve himself in solving problems, answering questions, etc. Solutions and answers were concrete rather than abstract. In observing John's behavior, he was, now, interestingly perceived as being curious, probing and goal-oriented." (Teacher who participated the graduate credit program.)

"I watched Ms. Vales band a white breasted nuthatch [during Option Time -- when students choose activities]. Only four students came to watch the activity, but Ms. Vales allowed all of us to touch the bird, answered all our questions and seemed very knowledgeable about birds. The students who came were interested in part becuse they were doing reports on birds for science. I learned a great deal in the short time I was in this class." (Teacher from participating school district.)

In addition to the Mohican Outdoor School resident program, MOS offers a wide variety of Field Trips and Outreach Programs for all ages.