Connecticut Experiential Learning Center, CELC Branford, Connecticut – Experiential Education

Field Experiences, Travel & Camps

Trap Rock Ridge

We enjoy working at the farm of our long-time colleagues and friends, Rob and Sally, where students tend to chickens, work in the gardens, split wood, learn about rug cleaning techniques (Ace Rug Company has been in business for over 50 years), have lunch outside at a campfire, or build authentic Native American dream catchers.

Two Coyotes Wilderness School

Through observation, awareness, and utilization of all our senses, Two Coyotes Wilderness School shares with students teachings about the natural environment. With the thoughtful consideration of many aspects of wilderness skills, including how to build shelter, the art of tracking, and plant and animal identification, students gain an appreciation of the strength, power and beauty of being out-of-doors, while developing a connection between oneself and nature.

Pre-Columbian Pottery

To gain an understanding and appreciation of the utilitarian and aesthetic qualities of pre-Columbian art and culture, students create their own clay sculptures as they explore hand-building technique under the guidance of potter Evelyn Foster.

Casa Otoñal

Students have a multi-generational experience working alongside elders and learning about Latin-American culture.  This community service oriented program allows for CELCers to contribute to  life at La Casa through gardening, shared music time, quilting, cooking, and more.

Everyone Outside

Everyone Outside is a program to get more people (children, teens, adults, seniors) outside enjoying the natural world to promote healthy living and environmental stewardship.  CELC students work in the field with Lucy Meigs exploring a variety of environmental topics, including vernal pools, geology, and map and compass skills.

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CELC traditionally includes a ‘year-end’ adventure for our students that incorporates not only our academic curriculum but also brings our students out of their usual comfort zones and enables them to stretch and grow in new ways, all while remaining true to our priority of safety and providing experiences that are interesting, challenging, and fun.

Washington, D.C.

Connecticut Experiential Learning Center travels to Washington, D.C. in March 2010.   There is so much to see and do, and students are taking an active role in the planning of this adventure.  Letters requesting special tours have been written and mailed to our State Representatives.  Included in the highlights for our trip so far will be a private tour of the Capitol building and a visit to National Geographic’s Terra Cotta Warriors exhibit.   Some of the other places under consideration for visiting are the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, the Supreme Court, Newseum, the National Archives, the Smithsonian Museums, and the National Zoo.

Chesapeake Bay Sailing

CELC’s trip in April 2011 to the Chesapeake Bay in Virginia spends time aboard the 46’ ketch Boundless! with Captain Jeff Amor who runs a company called Different Drum Sailing Adventures, which provides programs specifically geared for middle school-aged students.

During our adventure, stay in contact with what we do each day by logging onto the following website where we blog about our travels on a daily basis.

http://www.sailblogs.com/member/ddsa

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Creative Math Camp

The Ultimate Math Experience

mandm@CTExperiential.org