Kids Love the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine

Kids Love the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine

Kids Love the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine

Schmidt Center in Brandywine
The Schmidt Center in Brandywine

Growing up in the digital age, most kids today have become skilled in their use of technology. They’re social media experts. And they know their smartphones inside and out. But when it comes to outdoor experiences, they might not be as comfortable or knowledgeable. The William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine is designed to help with that.

But why is it important to help your kids become more comfortable outside? Getting enough sunlight is good for their growing minds and bodies. Outdoor play keeps them active, which helps children stay healthy. And being outside in nature helps relieve stress and increase focus. Do you want your kid to experience those benefits? Then you and your family might enjoy the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center.

About the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center in Brandywine

Camp Schmidt sits on 450.6 acres of land. And it focuses on environmental education. In a fun and meaningful way, the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center helps kids develop a love for the outdoors while learning how to take good care of the environment. They provide programs for many different grade levels.

First Graders at the Schmidt Center in Brandywine

First graders get to take a day trip to the Schmidt Center. They learn about soils, tree ages and species, local birds, insects, and animal tracks. And they’re not learning all this from a PowerPoint. Small groups of students take turns learning in native gardens and outdoor classrooms, a great environment for learning about the environment!

The Famous 5th Grade Field Trip

At the heart of the Schmidt program is the 5th-grade overnight trip. These field trips are held at the Hard Bargain Farm or the Schmidt Center. What activities and classes will your 5th grader participate in on this trip?

  • Stream Ecology
  • Orienting Challenge
  • Woodland Ecology
  • Problem Solving
  • Team Building
  • Confidence Course
  • Dropping in on Deer

All of this is taught by an Instructional Specialist. But it’s not all work and no play for your little ones. They’ll also enjoy a campfire and wagon ride. Teachers and parents are welcome to come too.

Middle School and High School Trips

The Schmidt Center isn’t just for little ones. Middle school and high school clubs centered around environmental awareness are welcome to plan an overnight stay. They can enjoy team building activities and opportunities to learn about environmental sciences.

Programs at the Schmidt Center in Brandywine

The William S. Schmidt Outdoor Education Center also provides a variety of special training programs. These include:

  • School Gardens
  • Storm Drain Stenciling
  • Rain Barrels
  • Green Schools
  • Bridging the Watershed Training
  • And More!

The Schmidt Center’s goal aligns with Maryland’s Environmental Literacy Initiative. They aim to help students learn about their own impact on the environment and what they can to protect it.

Find the William Schmidt Outdoor Education Center

Why do kids love the Schmidt Center? It’s a fun place to experience the outdoors. And it helps kids become more environmentally conscious. Do you want your kids to develop a love for nature? The Schmidt Center is a great place to start!

If you’re a local or visiting the area, you may be wondering: How bad is the coronavirus in Prince George’s County? What phase of reopening are we in? And where can you and your family get tested? Find out in our next post!


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