The mission of Spruce Lake Retreat is to enable and encourage “Christ-centered discoveries in an outdoor setting” by providing opportunities for Christian nurture, meditation, fellowship and recreation in an informal, natural setting for children, youth, adults and families.

Pointing people toward Christ

These core values are grounded in our Statement of Faith as summarized below:
Spruce Lake Retreat is dedicated to Christian service in the Anabaptist tradition.
We believe …
• In one God eternally existing as Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
• That God has revealed himself in the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments, the divinely inspired, entirely trustworthy, relevant, and authoritative Word of God.
• That in the beginning God created all things by his Son.
• That humankind sinned, bringing separation from God and death upon the human race.
• In restoration of repentant man through the shed blood and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ by grace, through faith apart from works.
• That the Holy Spirit convicts of sin, effects the new birth, gives guidance in life, empowers for service, and enables perseverance in faith and holiness.
• That Jesus, when he lived on earth, revealed a way for people to live peacefully as devoted servants of God.
• That the church is the body of Christ, a people redeemed and obedient to the Word of God, in a fellowship of love, intercession, and healing.
• That Jesus Christ will come again to gather his church and judge all people. God will reign with Christ in justice, righteousness and peace forever.
Integrity
We will be transparent in our relationships, practices and attitudes including being honest with each other even when to do so may cause us or another initial pain. We will be accountable first to God and then to each other to live and work in a way that points people to Christ, establishing expectations that fit within the reality of our mission, time, resources and staffing levels.
Relationships
We will make our relationship with God the top priority. We expect that when we seek him continually, our relationships with Christ, coworkers and guests can only become more marked by love, humility, honesty and fun.
Teamwork
Our organization will be characterized by people who respect each other and desire to be part of the team. We will honor responsibility, recognize individual contributions, support the organizational values and be driven by our Core Purpose of “pointing people toward Christ."
Stewardship
To recognize and promote that we are stewards not owners of the resources God has given us. We will responsibly manage the resources of Spruce Lake Retreat – money, time, facilities, nature and people – by making decisions based not only on their present impact, but also on how they may affect the future.
Quality
Quality is the sustained action of providing the best opportunity for spiritual renewal, Sabbath rest and quality experiences within our faith, community and means while building and maintaining relationships by assessing, anticipating and fulfilling stated and implied needs.

Spruce Lake Outdoor School (SLOS) is an educational ministry of Spruce Lake Retreat, a year-round retreat, conference and camp facility for all ages. It is owned and operated by the Franconia Mennonite Camping Association, Inc. and is a nonprofit Pennsylvania Corporation administered by a board of directors. Spruce Lake Retreat is a member of Mennonite Camping Association and Christian Camp & Conference Association (US division).
Spruce Lake Retreat has been in ministry since 1963 and has developed four program areas. Brochures for each program are available.
1. GUEST GROUPS – besides individual Bed & Breakfast accommodations, youth groups, church groups and families may arrange a retreat. Choice of different lodging options such as motel-style and dorm-style rooms, and modern areas for seasonal tent and RV camping sites, are available.
2. WILDERNESS CAMP – a fully programmed setting for youth camping from mid-June to mid-August, including an off-site Expedition Program with options of backpacking, canoeing, climbing, etc.
3. PROGRAMS – retreats with speakers and worship leaders specialized for specific events such as Men’s Retreat, Women’s Retreat, Hymn Sing, Labor Day Music Festival, Family Weeks, Snow Retreats, etc.
4. OUTDOOR SCHOOL – an educational ministry offering outdoor learning programs for Christian schools and home-schooling families.

Spruce Lake Outdoor School makes has over 800 acres of natural settings to explore that include a cascading mountain stream, a small lake, a pond, a swamp and other wetlands, woodlands of birch, maple, hemlock and oak, meadows, abandoned fields, an old orchard and foundations, and lush rhododendron thickets. Hiking and cross-country ski trails traverse the varied topography. The many habitats are rich in plant and animal life.

Spruce Lake Outdoor School (SLOS) is located in the Pocono Mountains of northeastern Pennsylvania, and is easily accessible from all compass points via I-80, I-84 and I-380. SLOS is 2.5 miles north of Canadensis along Rt. 447.

“It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up” Ephesians 4:11-12 (New International Version)
1. Director of Spruce Lake Outdoor School
Elizabeth R. Ferrer – Outdoor teacher; Adventure Program support facilitator
Remedial Math Laboratory Coordinator at Colegio Universitario del Turabo, Puerto Rico; college algebra teacher; administrator/supervisor in private embroidery industry; bilingual; BS in General Science, Biology and Mathematics; with SLOS since 1997.
2. Outdoor Education Teachers
a. Jana L. Atwell – Outdoor teacher; Staff Naturalist; Resources Coordinator
Secondary science teacher; raptor rehabilitation intern at Vermont Institute of Natural Resources; naturalist and raptor specialist at Shavers Creek Environmental Center; BS in Biology Education; with SLOS in 1992 and since 1993.
b. Richard Brewer – Outdoor teacher; Adventure Program Equipment Manager; Expeditions Manager for Wilderness Camp
Member of National Ski Patrol since 1994; BA in Middle Childhood Education with certification in grades 4-9; with SLOS since 2003.
c. Rachel Erb – Outdoor teacher; Adventure Program facilitator
Work in adventure challenge program for adjudicated girls; 8 years. in youth work; Body & Soul leader; BS in Bible and Christian Education; with SLOS since 2005.
e. Douglas P. Musselman – Outdoor teacher; Adventure Program facilitator; Staff Ecologist; SLR Landscaper; SLR Trails Manager
Environmental education intern at Au Sable Institute and at Peace Valley; ecological wetland research; BS in Biology and General Science; with SLOS since 1996.
f. Travis Wilt – Outdoor teacher; Adventure Program facilitator
Environmental educator intern at Chattanooga Nature Center; staff naturalist at Cohutta Springs Conference Center, GA; BS in Outdoor Education; MS in Outdoor Education; with SLOS since 2006.
g. Connie Wismer – Assistant Director of Spruce Lake Outdoor School; Outdoor teacher; Adventure Program Facilitation Coordinator
High school coach 12 years; secondary school youth worker 6 years; BS in Biology, PA teacher certification; with SLOS since 2002.
3. Outdoor Education Support Staff
a. Jesse Albanese – Media Specialist: Adventure Program facilitator
SLOS support staff since 2007
c. Lanee J. Kmieczak – Program Manager for Wilderness Camp: Adventure Program facilitator
SLOS staff from 2000 to 2007: SLOS Support Staff since 2008.
d. Kent J. Kauffman - Director Wilderness Camp programs; Adventure Program Systems Coordinator
SLOS staff from 1997 to 1999; SLOS support staff since 2000.
e. Karen Maddox – Adventure Program facilitator; Wilderness Camp Office Manager
SLOS support staff since 2005
f. Grace Nolt – Adventure Program facilitator; Communications Coordinator for Spruce Lake Retreat
SLOS support staff since 1996.
g. Vanessa Pierce - Program Assistant; Adventure Program facilitator
SLOS support staff since 2007

� CONTACT SLOS TO WORKOUT PRELIMINARY DATES, PLANS AND REGISTRATION
When you contact us, provide the ages/grades of the students, number of participants, and time of year you’d like for your program. We will look for openings in our program and give you options available, which we will reserve for a limited time. You’ll be able to secure your program dates by sending a completed Reservation Form and nonrefundable deposit.
� SECURE APPROVAL FOR THE RESIDENT PROGRAM FROM YOUR PRINCIPAL
� SEND RESERVATION FORM and DEPOSIT TO SPRUCE LAKE
Deposit (nonrefundable) may be made by credit card (phone) or check made out to Spruce Lake Retreat.
� PLAN A VISIT TO SLOS
We suggest that at least one school staff visit the outdoor school before the residency date to get familiar with the facilities, outdoor classrooms and resources available. Schedule this visit with our director.
� REQUEST SLOS DVD
A Spruce Lake Outdoor School DVD is available upon request or with your Program Packet. It'a an exciting introductory video, and includes a Facilities Tour, Program Schedule explanation and testimonials. Use it for staff, student and parent preparation.
� PLAN FINANCING FOR YOUR PROGRAM
There are various ways to finance your program. The total cost may be attained by one or a combination of the following:
• each participant
• school tuition costs
• fund-raising
• donations
� DETERMINE PROGRAM GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Clarify your goals and objectives for any out-of-the-classroom experiences. What do you want to accomplish? What cognitive, affective and behavioral changes do you expect in your students? What concepts about natural things and events do you want to teach?
� ARRANGE TRANSPORTATION
Whether you arrange carpooling, school bus or charter bus, we strongly recommend that you have a passenger vehicle at Spruce Lake during your stay! This will help in the event of an unexpected trip to the hospital, early transport back home of a student, or shopping for forgotten items.
� DISCUSS SCHOOL STAFF EXPECTATIONS
Share with your principal/administrator the additional school staff needed and their roles.
� PARENT ORIENTATION
Have an orientation for participating adults. Describe the activity clearly for parents and secure permission slips for each child. Follow your school’s field trip procedures. Go over disciplinary responsibilities and physical requirements needed for chaperones, as described in “Guidelines"… section on pages 9-11. This is a perfect opportunity to show the SLOS DVD.
� NECESSARY SCHOOL MEDICAL FORMS / INSURANCE / RELEASE FORMS
Spruce Lake Outdoor School does NOT require medical forms, but we recommend you have completed medical forms for each participant during your trip. Spruce Lake assumes the students of participating schools have school accident insurance at the time of the resident program. Spruce Lake requires a completed Release Form for EACH participant.
�SELECT YOUR PROGRAM CURRICULUM
Using the Curriculum Guide (in your Program Packet or download from the SLOS webpage), select various classes desired. Discuss selections with SLOS Director for availability. See the Outdoor School Education Curriculum section in this Program Manual for overview, guidelines and outline sample. (Curriculum outlines for many of our classes are available upon request.)
� GO OVER YOUR PROGRAM PACKET MATERIALS
You will receive a Program Packet at least two months before your program date. Please go over the materials carefully and return completed forms promptly. See list and description in the Materials in Your Program Packet section on page 12. Some forms may be available for download by visiting our webpage at www.sprucelake.org
� CLOTHING AND PACKING LIST
See What to Bring on page 13.
� PLAN JOURNALING
Prior to coming to Spruce Lake, decide on a daily time for journaling. There are several opportunities throughout the day where it may be scheduled. The place for journaling can be under the trees, in the open grass or other outdoor setting or in one of our comfortable meeting rooms. Small group discussions can lead students into the writing process. It is important to begin the journal during class time in the weeks prior to coming to Spruce Lake. Discuss this as a school staff and clearly develop your journaling goals, procedures and treatment of subject matter so that students are fully comfortable with the activity.
� FINALIZE SCHEDULE AND ACTIVITIES FOR THE RESIDENT PROGRAM
Plan your free-time activities: games, “down” time, worship, devotions, etc. Feel free to bring your own worship leaders and speakers. Plan special activities such as a Girls’ Pampering Night or Boys’ Game Night, devotions, and campfires. For more, see our Evening Activities Guidelines on page16
� SNACKS FOR THE TRIP
�ESTABLISH ROOM ASSIGNMENTS FOR STUDENTS AND CHAPERONES

1. The determination of the total program fee is based upon the school’s accurate count of participants (teachers, students and adult chaperones). Use the Fee Schedule and/or Fee Worksheet included in your Program Packet for itemized cost. The balance of the program cost will be payable on arrival (by cash, check or credit card).
2. Damages to buildings or loss of materials or equipment will be determined prior to departure after an inspection by a Spruce Lake staff person.
3. Besides being a fully staffed outdoor education program, the fees include:
a. food service
b. lodging
c. program equipment, materials and facilities
d. use of facilities and equipment
e. assistance to coordinating teachers in all three phases
4. The costs not included in a package are:
a. school transportation to and from Spruce Lake Outdoor School
b. loss or damage to equipment or buildings by participants
5. Cancellation Policy
As an educational ministry of Spruce Lake Retreat, Spruce Lake Outdoor School is implementing the Retreat’s payment and cancellation policies. It is understood that as a registered participant in our program, your school/group agrees to the terms of program cost and payment. The balance of your program cost is due before your departure from Spruce Lake. Deposits are non-refundable. Also, if you cancel your program six weeks or less before your scheduled date, you will be responsible for 80% of the total program cost, based on the number of participants reported on your Reservation Form or the Group Update Form, whichever is most current.

One month or more before your program dates, you will receive a Program Packet with updated forms and materials needed. You may request forms prior to this mailing if they're needed sooner.
• Review, confirm or make changes to SLOS Schedule and return a copy to Spruce Lake no later than two weeks before your program. We aim to honor your requests as best we can. Use the enclosed Curriculum Guide and List of Abbreviations to determine classes listed on your schedule.
• Send the Group Update as soon as possible; update your participant numbers, check your selections for attending the Gift Shop and/or Snack Shop.
• Send School Information Form no later than two weeks prior to arrival.
• Everyone must have a completed Release Form to participate. Collect and review SLOS Release Forms (to bring to Spruce Lake) for each participant. According to the information on the forms, complete the following:
o Dietary Allergies Chart - send at least two weeks before your program. We suggest that participants with dietary issues bring food items to supplement meals served here. You may request a menu one week before your program date. Refrigerator space is available; please label items with person’s name, school name and program dates.
o Physical Limitations Chart - bring with you. Iinform parents who list limitations for their children about the consequences of participation in their scheduled activities.
• A sample meal menu will give you an idea of items and types of meals served

• Spruce Lake is a smoke-free facility. SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED anywhere on Spruce Lake property.
• Use of ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES OR DRUGS IS NOT PERMITTED anywhere on Spruce Lake property.
• All areas are to be quiet by 11:00 p.m.
• Shirts must be worn at all times. Bare feet are not permitted in the dining room.

1. PERSONAL (Based on a three-day program)
-Warm jacket, hat and gloves
-Sweater or sweatshirt
-3 shirts, including a warm shirt
-3 pairs of long pants or jeans
-6 pairs of socks
-Comfortable, practical footwear (including hiking and/or sneakers)
-OLD sneakers (not good hiking boots) for aquatic studies or rainy days
-Complete set of rain gear, boots, poncho or raincoat
-Snow boots during winter program
-Face cloth and 2 towels *
-Personal hygiene items (soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, etc.)
-Flashlight
-Bible
-Insect repellent
-Some spending money
-*Sleeping bag or linens & blanket,
 +add a pillow to above items
-1 pair pajamas
-Personal medications
-Binoculars (if possible)
-Handkerchiefs or Kleenex
-Notebook, pencils
-Chapstick™
-$ for games, gift and snack shops
* For residents in Birch Hall, Huckleberry, Barn, Hillside & Brookside Cabins and Mountain Laurel
+ For residents in Hillside & Brookside Cabins

2. CLOTHING FOR CLASSES
Please have students and adults wear long pants and closed-toe shoes for all classes to protect legs from ticks, cuts, abrasions, and other injury from rocks and vegetation. During warm weather, shorts/Capri pants may be worn during free-time only. Please see our Clothing Modesty and Safety section in the Program Manual for additional suggestions.

3. OPTIONAL ITEMS
-Camera
-Stamps (may also be purchased at the front desk.)

Please Label All Personal Items

-Chewing gum
-Jewelry
-Food, drinks or candy (school should arrange for snacks as a group)
-“Pets” of any size or species. (We have plenty.)
-Bikini or midriff tops, tank tops or short shorts (see Modesty Guidelines)
-CD, DVD, MP3 player, iPod
-Electronic games
-Comic books, magazines
-Pocket knives
-Cell phone or pager
-Flip-flops, sandals, or slip-on sneakers may be used during free-time only, not for class

• Label all personal items with a felt pen
• Use a small suitcase, and label luggage
• Use large gym bag, and label
• Use double plastic bag, label; pack several extra plastic bags for return trip
• Roll some items into sleeping bag or bedroll, tie well and label
• Students should bring used, but clean clothing. No new clothing is needed. This is an outdoor adventure.

For respect of our guests, fellow classmates and staff, we encourage students and adults to wear clothing that meets Spruce Lake’s modesty standards as described below. Please look carefully through your clothes to honor this request.
Also, please make sure your clothing addresses safety concerns.
• Shirts should be modest, not have thin straps or expose the back, and be suitable for recreation. Form-fitting shirts and those that reveal bare skin when arms are raised are not appropriate. Make sure your shirts are long enough to cover bare skin when wearing a safety harness.
• Because of safety concerns, shorts are not allowed during SLOS-led classes or activities. It’s at the discretion of each school or group coordinator whether or not to allow shorts to be worn during free time. If allowed, they should be suitable for recreation, and not form-fitting or overly short. (The length should extend past fingertips with arms at side).
• Long skirts, dresses or jumpers may be used during SLOS classes as long as they don’t impede movement and/or participation and are not a safety hazard (tripping or tangling). We recommend wearing shorts or pants underneath for activities that require climbing or use of safety harnesses.
• Short skirts or dresses are not allowed during SLOS-led classes or activities. If worn during free time, they should follow modesty standards regarding length and fit as described in previous “Shorts” and “Shirts” sections.
• Clothing with wording or images contrary to the Christian principles of the camp is not appropriate.
• Swimsuits should be modest and one-piece only.
We appreciate your cooperation!

During certain times in our semester (after Memorial Day weekend), we are glad to be able to offer pool time as one of your activities. Please review this with your group BEFORE your arrival. They are meant for everyone’s safety, modesty and enjoyment.
� Modest swimwear is expected; no bikinis
� Remove band-aids before entering the pool
� No food or drinks
� No radios or tape players
� No running or pushing
� No hanging on ladders or steps or the pool rope
� Discourage dunking
� No frisbees or other hard, throwable objects in the pool area
� No flotation devices may be worn by anyone in the deep end, regardless of swimming ability
� Tubes and toys must stay at the shallow end
� Nonswimmers must remain at the shallow end
� An adult must accompany all nonswimming children in the water or at the pool edge
� Adults must supervise small children
� Please read and follow all diving board rules (see below)
� Lifeguard distraction of any kind is not permitted (visiting, splashing or “crying wolf”)
� Respect the lifeguards and their requests; lifeguards have the authority and responsibility to maintain a safe swimming environment
� Swimmers who fail to comply with regulations may be removed from the pool area

1. One person at a time on the diving board
2. Stop! Look! Be sure diving area is clear before diving!
3. One bounce only.
4. Dive straight off the end of the board.
5. Swim quickly to the side and out of the diving area.
6. Don’t hang on or go under the diving board.

1. Generally dinner is over by 6:00 p.m. The hour, 6-7:00 p.m., may be considered free time or used as the school desires. Students may be in different locations but must be supervised at all times.
2. During one evening, SLOS staff can provide a 1½- hour activity period from 7-8:30 or 8:30-10:00 p.m. Activities during this time usually consist of Nature Games, Probing the Night Realm, Wagon Ride, Birds of Prey, Observing the Night Sky, Endangered Species Clue, Adventure Scavenger Hunt, or other arrangements.
3. SLOS staff are available for one one evening (one activity period) of a school’s residency program. Staff availability and number of schools in residency at the same time will determine evening schedules. There is some flexibility.
4. Visits to the gift shop and snack shop will be scheduled during evenings. Prior intent to use either facility must be made through your Group Update Form.

1. Schools are free to plan activities prior to and after the SLOS-led activity program. We may be able to provide you with a TV, VCR, DVD player and projection screen in your meeting room for presentations. Please make arrangements prior to your arrival.
2. Our property has campfire rings you may use for devotions, sing-alongs, roasting marshmallows, hotdogs, etc. Our staff will provide you with firewood, matches and roasting sticks if needed; you supply the rest.
3. Depending on the amount of daylight, a number of evening activities using SLOS outdoor facilities and equipment are available to the school group. These options are available during free times:
• Mini-golf (fee/person/game)
• Playground
• Yard games (school-planned)
• Scavenger hunt (school- planned)
• Shuffleboard
• Volleyball
• Basketball
• Soccer
• Tennis
4. There are some after-dark and/or inclement weather options available also. The game room in the lower level of Spruce Lodge contains:
• Pool table*
• Fooseball*
• Table shuffleboard (known as American Shuffleboard)
• Floor shuffleboard
• Air hockey*
• Ping-pong
* These are coin-operated
Indoor volleyball and basketball can be played in Lakeview Program Center (gym) if available. Gym use is coordinated through our on-duty staff during dinner.
5. Shopping at Oak Leaf Gift Shop should be planned for 8-9:00 p.m. on your first evening (Monday or Wednesday), but this activity has to be coordinated with other schools and gift shop staff prior to your arrival (check Program Schedule for proposed time). Please indicate your choice of participation on the Group Update Form.
6. Visits to the Wagon Wheel Snack Shop should be planned between 8-9:00 p.m. on the second evening (Tuesday or Thursday). Attendance must be coordinated with SLOS prior to your arrival.(Check Program Schedule for proposed time). Please choose your participation on the Group Update Form.
7. The school needs to plan some other evening activities that build group unity and interaction. Some possibilities are:
� Journaling (bring notebooks)
�A trip mural project (bring art supplies)
�A group scrapbook (bring supplies)
� Skits
� A campfire and singing (bring guitar)
� Creative writing
� Table games, puzzles (we have many)
� Small group games (Pictionary, for example)
� Scavenger hunt
� Evening Bible study or devotions
� S’mores campfire (bring marshmallows, crackers and chocolate)
� Other …
8. SLOS staff on evening duty will help you coordinate evening activities during dinner, but please do some advance planning.

Books, postcards, stationery, pens, pencils, woodcrafts, plaques and other items are available. T-shirts and sweatshirts in a variety of designs, colors and sizes are also sold. The gift shop is open from 8-9:00 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday evenings. Other days may be coordinated prior to your arrival. Make your selection on the Group Update Form.

Your group may visit our snack shop during your program. A large variety of snacks, ice cream, warm foods and drinks are available. This is a great opportunity for fellowship. You could plan a “coffeehouse” activity time with your group in the snack shop.It's open from 8-9:00 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Other days may be coordinated prior to your arrival. Make your selection on the Group Update Form.

So many questions come up about cooking, coolers in rooms, borrowing utensils and cookware, refrigeration, etc. that we feel some convenient and practical guidelines will help you plan appropriately.
1. Schools need to provide their own coolers required for refrigerating soda and other drinks if their meeting rooms do not have a refrigerator. Several facilities have refrigerators, but not all. Please bring coolers and ice. Crushed ice may be purchased at Spruce Lake.
2. All special snack items must be brought with the school even though our snack shop and vending machines are available.
3. All utensils, cookware and eatingware needed for snack preparation and consumption are to be supplied by the school. In general, these may include:
a. Eating utensils (forks, spoons, etc.)
b. Paper cups, plates, bowls, etc. Styrofoam is not good choice because of environmental pollution
c. Napkins, cleanup rag and dish towels, etc.
d. Salt, sugar, milk, etc.
e. Popcorn and air poppers
f. Plug-in coffee urns
g. Any other food service items used for snacks
4. Several stores in nearby towns carry snacks and items in case you forget them. (You will need to provide your own transportation for shopping trips.)
5. Outdoor campfire areas are available in various locations. These outdoor fireplaces only are to be used for fire-cooked items such as marshmallows or hot dogs. Please do not cut or gather sticks for hot dogs from the property. We have stainless steel forks available for an evening campfire cookout or you can bring wire roasting sticks. Please return sticks in the bucket with water (for easier cleaning).
6. You may want to consider snacks for mid-morning, mid-afternoon as well as for evening. Remember that students will sometimes be on the trail during snack time, so snacks will be carried with them in some way. Snack times during classes should be coordinated by SLOS teachers. Containers for snacks must be disposed of properly upon return from activity periods.
7. We have a complimentary coffee and hot water dispenser for tea in the lobby of Spruce Lodge. Three vending machines in the lower level of Spruce Lodge provide sodas, fruit juice, candy, pretzels, chips and other snacks. You may want to have some policy on their use, especially between classes and before meals.
8. Any participant with food allergies/restrictions may supplement their meals by bringing some of their own needed foods. Give us a call at least two weeks before your program so we can fax you the menu for your stay. We have a refrigerator and microwave in our staff dining area that may be used to store items. Please label all items with person’s name and dates of program.

The residence period is from the time of arrival to the time of departure and includes your daily schedule. Evaluate continually and update students frequently. Be flexible and take up slack as necessary. Be responsible for small group daily devotions. Maintain close contact with director and/or assistant director of SLOS. Report any problems immediately.
� REGISTRATION
You must register at Spruce Lake Lodge when you arrive. At this time you will receive a Welcome Packet, which includes dates and fees for your next program, last day packing instructions, and an Evaluation Form. Numbers of participants will be updated and Release Forms and Medical Limitations Chart will be collected. A luggage drop-off point will be designated.
� CHECK-IN
You will receive master key(s) for your lodging building(s) during registration. Check-in for your meeting room will be by 1:30 p.m. for your General Orientation, and check-in time for bedrooms will be 4:00 p.m. or after your afternoon classes. Please make sure participants are dressed appropriately for classes, that their medications are readily accessible and money for gift shop (if attending) is handy.
� PROGRAM
Programming usually begins with the 1:30 p.m. SLOS General School Orientation on arrival day. Again, some flexibility is needed should you arrive late. We like to begin your activities at 2:00 p.m. at the very latest. See that students are prepared (water, snacks, bathroom break, clothing, medications, etc.) and on time for activities and meals..
� SUPERVISION
Student supervision is primarily the responsibility of the school’s supervisory adults (teachers, parents, others). These persons must assume daily tasks, such as discipline and seeing that students arrive at activities, meals and to bed on time. GENERAL FREE TIME MUST BE SUPERVISED AT ALL TIMES BY YOUR SCHOOL PERSONNEL AND CHAPERONES.
� GROUP MANAGEMENT
Since most of the lessons take place in outdoor classrooms, students need to be prepared for many distractions, being on their feet much of the time, different teaching/learning techniques, weather, and other variables. Your attention to GUIDELINES will help to build the structure needed for effective learning. Many students have difficulty in such an unstructured atmosphere and will need special help in the group process.
The SLOS staff encourages teachers to have appropriate input during lessons to help focus student attention on previously learned subject matter and areas of future study.
� CURRICULUM
The outdoor curriculum is taught by our outdoor teachers and naturalists in outdoor classrooms, using outdoor learning and teaching methods. Curriculum selection occurs before you arrive, but it happens when you arrive. Some of the curriculum will reinforce textbook learning, but some will be unfamiliar to students. Selection is based on grade level, school objectives and length of residency.
� CHECK-OUT
We request that all lodging facilities be completely vacated before your first class on your last day (usually 9:00 a.m.). Check rooms carefully before checking out. Take all belongings to the bus and/or vehicles, or set aside in designated areas (See Last Day Pack-up Guidelines). Return keys to the registration desk.
� PAYMENT/REBOOKING
Settle program costs at the registration desk prior to departure. The balance may be paid by cash, credit card or check made out to Spruce Lake Retreat.
Fill out the Reservation Form and place a deposit for next year’s program. Eighty-five percent of schools rebook for the following year’s program dates. This gives you the first opportunity for reserving the corresponding date for your next program before another group has access to that date. Discuss this rebooking option with your administration prior to your arrival.
� EVALUATION
Complete the Evaluation Form enclosed in your Welcome Packet before departure.

1. The main entrance to Spruce Lake is along Rt. 447 directly across from Gravel Road. BUSES AND LARGE VEHICLES should also enter here, but MAY NOT GO BEYOND the STOP SIGN that prohibits going around the "front circle" between Spruce Lodge and Lakeview Program Center.
2. Schools traveling via motor coach and staying in the Wilderness Camp area (Barn, Huckleberry, Cabins) must make special arrangements with SLOS for luggage transportation prior to your arrival date.
3. Car or van parking is available in lots near Spruce Lodge. One leader should come to the front desk in Spruce Lodge for registration at the time of arrival. As soon as an outdoor school staff person arrives, the next steps can be taken.
4. Room check-in is at 4:00 p.m.! During the registration process, you will be directed where to drop off your group’s luggage.
5. Arrival time can be flexible, but lunch is served promptly at 12:30 if you are scheduled to eat in our dining room. A Meal Orientation is scheduled prior to lunch between 12:15 –12:30 p.m.
6. Programming is usually not provided for resident program schools on the arrival morning, except for day-trip groups who have one or two morning activity periods. Mornings are for staff preparation time and other schools may be in session when you arrive. Be ready to organize some group activities. Suggested activities are:
� Walking around to explore the facilities.
� Playing volleyball or basketball. (We'll have the equipment)
� Playing favorite school yard games. (We have large grassy areas)
� Playing on the playground. (We have swings, sliding board, merry-go-round, etc.)
7. If you have a vehicle breakdown or for some other reason will arrive later than planned, please call our office at 800-822-7505 x 136 so we can make adjustments in our scheduling. We especially need your phone call if you will not be arriving for a planned lunch. Our kitchen can make minor adjustments to accommodate emergencies.
8. If you are “brown-bagging” your lunch and weather permits, the group may eat on the north lawn where picnic tables are available. A place for eating indoors is also available, upon request.
9. IMPORTANT! Plan your transportation so that you have a vehicle remaining with the group throughout your resident program. This is especially important in the event of emergency or special needs. Also, transportation between Wilderness Camp and Retreat Center areas is needed during rainy weather.

Staying overnight is very special. A time away from home and school, some new freedoms, sleeping over and other experiences are all part of lodging together.
Here are some suggestions to help you effectively plan this part of the experience:
1. Using the floor plans in this manual, assign students with adults to rooms prior to arrival. Consider behavioral problems, ages and cliques when grouping the students.
2. On arrival, have students unload all their gear and take it to the designated drop-off area.
3. General Orientation is usually the first SLOS-led activity. Your group will then go to classes before checking into their rooms.
4. At check-in time, students may have time to unpack and settle in.
5. After a settle-in period, students need to be directed to the next activity. This may be games, meals, or reporting to a specific location for a SLOS activity.
6. Keep the schedule posted in the lodging facility where students can refer to it. Supervising adults may appreciate a personal copy of the daily schedule.
7. Please remind students to turn off lights during the day when they are out of the room, close windows in the morning to prevent unnecessary heat loss and turn off water faucets in bathrooms.
8. The general “lights out – go to sleep time” can be determined by adults, but should be no later than 11:00 p.m., and should be enforced the first night. Students need at least eight hours of sleep to be physically up to the active days. Don’t let a few students disturb sleeping groups and keep teachers up.
9. Snacks may be prepared and eaten in many of the lodging areas, BUT do not allow students to take snacks into bedrooms. Snacks should remain in a general meeting area in storage containers, refrigerator or ice chests, etc.
10. Please remind students that adults are in charge of thermostats.
11. Retreat Center Lodging:
Linens, washcloths and towels are provided in Pines, Homestead, Hemlock and Spruce Hall. For Birch Hall, participants need to bring their own bedding, blankets, pillows, washcloths and towels.
Wilderness Camp Lodging:
For all Wilderness Camp lodging -- Huckleberry, Barn, Brookside and Hillside -- participants must bring their own bedding, blankets, pillow, washcloths and towels.

Please review these guidelines with your students and chaperones at school prior to arrival. (A sample menu is enclosed in your Program Packet.)
1. Meal orientations are given prior to the first meal, usually lunch (12:15 p.m.), and sometimes dinner (5:15 p.m.). The orientation may be given in the lobby, Sunroom or outside the front doors of Spruce Lodge, depending on the weather and group size.
2. Meal times, unless otherwise scheduled, are as follows:
Breakfast 8:15 – 8:45 a.m. ... Lunch 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. ... Dinner 5:30 – 6:00 p.m.
3. Shoes are required in the dining room. Place coats and hats in the lobby of Spruce Lodge on the coat rack or neatly piled on a couch.
4. Enter the food service area only when the door is open. A menu for the week is posted to the left of the dining room door.** Pick up tray, plates (if needed), and utensils from the brown cabinet in the hallway before going through the food service door.
5. Meals are served buffet-style in two lines; you may take all you want of most items, but please eat all you take.
6. Stay single-file in line …do not pass each other in the food line.
7. Pick up your beverages on the way to the dining room. Two glass sizes are available. Go directly from your line across to an ice and juice machine; leaving aisle open.
8. Each group has color-coded tables. Continue to use only your color-coded tables throughout your stay.
9. Desserts and hot beverages are available in the dining room. Extra utensils are available next to the hot beverage dispenser.
10. You may return for additional helpings AFTER everyone has gone through the line a first time. The hostess may ask you to wait at your table. Clean plates are needed at the buffet line. Return to the food line via the Exit door (get in line like first time), dropping off your dirty plate at the Dish Return area on your way out. You do not have to do the line for seconds on drinks; just go back in reverse order.
11. Sugar and sweetener packets are for dining room use only.
12. Use conversational voices so that other groups can fellowship during meals.
13. When you are finished with your meal, return your entire tray to the Dish Return Window beside the exit door. (If there is a line for the Dish Return, please wait at your table.) Then return to your table until dismissed.
14. When a group is dismissed, please push chairs under the dining room table.
15. Leave through one of the doors marked EXIT and not through the buffet line.
16. When dismissed, students must have at least one adult accompany them to their destination. Students must have an adult with them AT ALL TIMES, i.e. game room, outdoor recreation, etc.
** If any student has a severe food allergy, they should notify their teacher immediately!!

Many variables and distractions accompany outdoor learning. Most students adjust and conform to the learning experience with little difficulty. A few take advantage of the less structured format and become distractions to both teachers and students.
Our outdoor school staff believes that some guidelines for group management must be established in the minds of students prior to arrival. Our basic premise is that outdoor time is learning time. Some students think that being outside of school is non-learning time, a time off from school.
1. Emphasize that the trip to SLOS is school time also, and that learning and discipline are expected of each student while here, whether in indoor or outdoor settings.
2. Establish clearly understood rules of conduct that will enhance student experiences as well as provide for the most learning possible.
3. Since safety for each person is extremely important in outdoor activities, please establish some safety rules that will protect students from accidents caused by horseplay, misuse of natural things, travel over terrain, etc.
4. Establish some clearly understood attitudes toward God’s creation in terms of student responsibility for impact on the natural environment.
General management of student groups during class time is SLOS staff responsibility, since the learning modes are so variable. We will do what is educationally appropriate to maintain the integrity of the outdoor experiences and eliminate behavioral distractions that interfere with individual and group learning.
1. We will orient the school group to our guidelines of conduct and interaction on arrival day. We will also discuss our expectations and our response to student distractions.
2. We will lovingly but firmly remind and warn a distracting student twice if required. On the third warning, the adult accompanying the group will be asked to take the student (s) alongside for the duration of the activity.
3. If necessary, distracting students will be removed from the activity to sit and watch.
4. It is our expectation that teachers will work closely with problem students prior to arrival and assume full responsibility to discipline students who refuse to adjust their behavior after arrival.
All adults are in a supervisory capacity and are asked to assume group management roles when needed rather than be spectators. Every continual behavioral distraction undermines the lesson and message and ultimately, the group’s perception of God’s creation.
SLOS staff will, from time to time, request adults to quickly and quietly handle a discipline problem that arises and threatens the success of an activity or distracts others from focusing on the lesson.
Areas of group management problems:
1. Dining room noise and movement
2. Recreation room activities
3. Walking along trails
4. Small group discussion and activities
5. Behavior in lodging facility including interaction after hours
6. Game times

1. One teacher should be the leader-in-charge and go over clean-up and packing procedures. As a staff, decide how best to pack and clean up. Assign responsibilities.
2. Students pack all personal items (sleeping bag, suitcases, clothes bags, dirty clothes, etc.) in a compact way. Encourage strapping and tying all bundles where appropriate. Remind students to check bathroom and sleeping areas for items.
3. Load luggage into vehicles or bring to a central area such as outside the sleeping facility, on the porch or to the parking area prior to your 9:00 a.m. class on the last day. This frees the lodging facility for housekeeping personnel to begin cleaning.
4. Teachers should inspect all bedrooms for damage, items left behind and general neatness. Also check bathrooms for items.
5. Trash in sleeping and group areas must be picked up, furniture straightened and kitchen items washed, dried and returned to storage units.
6. Windows should be closed before leaving the sleeping facility.
7. Wet clothes (from swamp walk or rainy day activities) should be placed in plastic bags for transport. Encourage students not to throw away good sneakers or clothes.
8. All trash can be placed in appropriate containers and left in one place. Most rooms have trash containers.
9. Remember to drop off keys the at reception desk in Spruce Lodge or give to the SLOS director prior to your 9:00 a.m. class on the last day.
10. Additional notes on last day packing will be provided upon arrival.

This phase involves teacher and students (and other adults) before leaving Spruce Lake or upon returning to the regular school program. Evaluation is considered a group process in which every student has valuable input.
1. Discuss and list positive, stimulating, enjoyable and challenging learning experiences. Relate them to the overall goals of the outdoor program at your school.
2. Integrate the residence learning with your classroom learning.
3. Assign special evaluation tasks to students as individuals and groups, such as reports, projects, creative writing, letter to camp staff and other activities.
4. Consider and list any negative experiences. Determine how these aspects could be improved and share these ideas with us.
5. Inform parents, the student body, school board and church body by way of an assembly, letters, class presentations, etc., of the experiences in the total program.
6. Update files with notes, changes, etc., for future trips and resident programs. Keep an updated file, especially for future coordinators.
7. Continue to integrate outdoor studies in the curriculum during the year and consider integrating outdoor studies into other grade levels.
8. Have students design and put together a scrapbook page (one or two-sided), a PowerPoint™ presentation from their pictures, or a movie from video taken at Spruce Lake. Share with SLOS.
9. Complete School Evaluation for Spruce Lake Outdoor School if you did not complete it on departure day.
10. Have students send SLOS staff notes about their personal experiences.

Our program moves the school classroom to the outdoor classrooms of nature. Participants interact in a new situation of “total involvement” in group living and study which affords opportunities for building relationships between students, teachers, parents and God.
This is an overview of learning opportunities integrated in outdoor settings, which can be developed for most of the basic academic subjects in a school curriculum:
1. BIBLE
Students gain insight into God’s creative work, natural laws and functional design. Students will be able to see biblical references to natural things and events in relation to their own outdoor experiences. Instruction includes abundant references to the revelation of God through the scriptures and creation.
2. SCIENCE
Students develop their ability to participate in discovery by learning approaches for gaining scientific knowledge. Students investigate and gain understanding about living and nonliving things and events by direct observation. The instructional approach is primarily hands on. Emphasis is on strengthening student understanding for building appreciation and familiarity that leads to greater concern and stewardship for God’s creation. The sciences of general biology, earth science, ecology, botany, zoology and physical science are in focus within the curriculum.
3. MATHEMATICS
Students are involved in practical mathematical projects, which include the measurement of distance, height, density, size, weight, time, temperature, volume and compass direction (degrees). Practical investigations will involve students using measurement and recording data, graphing and simple computations.
4. LANGUAGE ARTS
Students orally communicate ideas, observations, conclusions and data. There is an emphasis on using natural things and events as sources of creative expression through personal observations and sensory experiences. The writing of a personal log can be a treasured record of the outdoor experience.
5. SOCIAL STUDIES
Students explore the natural world in relation to past, present and future human history needs and experience. The curriculum includes developing insights about food, shelter, community, health, economics, employment, and pollution problems as relevant to responsible citizenship and the stewardship of the creation. One focus will include studying human dependence on the environment.
6. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Student academic activity is balanced with physical exercise through organized skill events such as adventure games, the ropes course, hiking, rappelling, cross-country skiing and recreational games. Many of the field study areas can be reached only by hiking. Many of these activities emphasize the development of coordinated body movements and group socialization skills.
7. HEALTH
Students develop heightened awareness of poisonous organisms in nature and also become acquainted with edible food sources. There is a continuous focus on the effect of the physical environment on the human body, seasonally and daily.

You should develop a general theme for your resident stay to give unity to all the activities. For a school's first outdoor education experience, the theme may be “Getting Acquainted with God’s Creation” or “Exploring God’s Creation," or something similar..
We aim to give direction and natural progression to the entire residence experience through this theme. The school’s goals and objectives determine what is accomplished during the residency, so the theme provides program continuity. The School Information Form communicates theme and objectives to SLOS staff.
For a school with previous SLOS experience in outdoor programs, the theme may be more specific. For example, “Diversity of Habitats," "God’s Structural Design for Living Things," "Flow of Energy" or “Role of Water in the Environment." The school may also design a program to support current studies in science, language arts, social studies and environmental issues.

Sometimes weather conditions force us to change classes that have originally been scheduled – too much snow, not enough snow, lightning and thunder, not enough water, too much water, too cold, etc. Please look over your Curriculum Guide and pick out replacement classes, if needed.
Example: Your group is scheduled to do Snowshoeing or Cross-country Skiing, but if we don’t have enough snow; alternative class could be Signs of Animals in Winter or Power Swing. Of course, replacement classes will have to be coordinated with other groups and/or staff.. So look over your schedule, think about possible changes, and let us know your choices.

SPRUCE LAKE OUTDOOR SCHOOL
EDUCATOR CURRICULUM RESOURCE
AQUATIC COMMUNITIES: POND COMMUNITY
So God created the great creatures of the sea and every living and moving thing with which the water teems…”
Genesis 1:21a
I. Description
This class introduces students to the major characteristics, inhabitants and dynamics of the pond. Students will collect a variety of pond organisms and discover the relationships that exist among organisms and how these animals meet their basic life needs within this community. (1) activity period. (1 ½ hrs.) are required. Ages 5 and up may participate.
II. Learning Objectives
The participant with learn:
A. The physical characteristics of a pond.
B. How basic needs of various pond organisms are met.
C. To identify a diversity of organisms.
D. To recognize the relationships that exist among organisms in and around the pond.
E. About the stages of metamorphosis.
III. Vocabulary:
1. Predator
2. Prey
3. Habitat
4. Niche
5. Amphibian
6. Larva
7. Nymph
8. Lotic
9. Lentic
10. Decomposer
11. Metamorphosis
12. Algae

…From Spruce Lake
Although Spruce Lake Retreat does NOT have in-room phones, we have a public phone in the lower level of Spruce Lodge for the occasional phoning needs.
A good way of having your students check in with parents is to arrange a phone chain with parents at home. This way you make ONE phone call and then parents can notify each other of your group’s safe arrival.
…To Spruce Lake
Non-urgent messages will be relayed after class times via staff to the coordinating teacher or posted on our message board located by the front desk.

…During Class Time
All SLOS teachers are certified in First Aid, Adult & Child CPR and Wilderness First Aid. We carry two-way radios to communicate with each other and with the front office. Spruce Lake Retreat emergencies are transmitted via the National 911 System – PA State Police, local Volunteer Fire and Ambulance Departments.
…After Hours
You will find a phone on our front lobby desk with dialing instructions for calling 911 and directions to Pocono Medical Center.
Spruce Lake Retreat has an after-office-hours emergency contact system in place. The caller will be instructed about what to do in case of an emerency. Your group will be contacted by our on-duty staff. Please remind parents that this is an Emergency ONLY procedure and not a way to have Tommy or Susie call home to check in.

Spruce Lake Retreat is equipped with a generator that provides service to Spruce Lodge and the Retreat Center area. In case of extended power outages, guests lodging in Wilderness Camp area would be relocated to lodges in the Retreat Center area.

All guest rooms and meeting rooms are equipped with smoke detectors. All buildings are equipped with fire extinguishers. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers are inspected annually.

• I-80 West to Delaware Water Gap • Second exit after bridge toll booth (Exit 309)
• Left turn soon after off-ramp onto State Route 447 north (light)
• Follow Route 447 approx. 20 miles to the intersection of 447 and 390 (Canadensis).
• Go straight thru the light to stay on 447 North.
• Spruce Lake Retreat is 2.5 miles north of traffic light on the left.

• Take I-84 into Pennsylvania
• Take State Route 390 South at Promised Land State Park (Exit 26)
• Follow 390 South to traffic light in Canadensis (intersection of Route 447 and 390).
• Turn right onto State Route 447 North
• Spruce Lake Retreat is 2.5 miles north of traffic light in Canadensis.

• Follow NE Extension north (I-476 North) to Allentown (Exit 56)
• Go east on US Route 22
• Take State Route 33 north
• Directions continued - From Bethlehem, PA

• North on State Route 33 to Bartonsville
• Exit left for Interstate 80 West
• I-80 West to Scotrun (Exit 298)
• From off-ramp go North (left) on Route 611 into Mt. Pocono
• Turn East (right) on Route 940 to Route 390 (approx. 2 miles).
• Turn left onto 390 North • Follow 390 North to State Route 447 (at traffic light in Canadensis)
• Turn left onto Route 447, go 2.5 miles to Spruce Lake Retreat (on the left).

• I-80 East to I-380 North
• I-380 North to State Route 940 (Exit 3)
• Take 940 East through Mt. Pocono (Saty on 940 as it dog-legs at the intersection of 611)
• Turn left onto 390 North and follow to State Route 447 (at traffic light in Canadensis)
• Turn left onto Route 447 North, and go 2.5 miles to Spruce Lake Retreat (on the left).

• I-81 to I-380 South
• Follow I-380 South to I-84 East
• Exit onto State Route 191 South (Exit 17)
• Follow 191 South to State Route 447 South (turn left at traffic light in Newfoundland).
• Follow 447 South approx. 8 miles to Spruce Lake Retreat is on the right.