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Camp Kitaki’s Outdoor Education programs enrich and reinforce classroom learning through engaging, hands-on programs, held in partnership with our local schools.  Our coordinator will design a custom day or overnight program that fits your curriculum goals, budget, and desire to provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for your students.

Here at Kitaki, we strive to partner with the schools we serve to achieve the following goals:

Enhanced Academic Opportunities

  • Create meaningful connections to the curriculum in order to enforce the principals learned in the classroom.
  • Introduce new concepts through engaging, interactive programs.
  • Improve academic performance.

Character Development

  • Build confidence and self esteem by providing opportunities for all students to succeed.
  • Teach values, including respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring.
  • Teach life skills such as conflict resolution, independence, and communication.

Positive Role Models and Relationships

  • Promote unity and respect between students and teachers.
  • Increase the number of positive adult role models in a student’s life.
  • Encourage positive and supportive peer interactions.

 Connection to Nature

  • Provide opportunities for meaningful exploration in a natural setting.
  • Develop an appreciation for the natural world.
  • Promote environmental stewardship.

 

 

 

Educational Exploration
  • Beyond Hatchet: Survival Skills: Making connections to the novel, this program will teach basic survival skills such as shelter construction, plant identification, fire building, and basic first aid. 
  • iCare: Stimulate your students with exciting and interactive ways to learn about nature! Zany games will teach concepts such as conservation, awareness of the natural world, and ecology.
  • Ins and Outs: Students will learn about animal behavior and diet by studying animal scat and tracks. This lesson will conclude with an owl pellet dissection… a student favorite! 
  • Instincts for Survival: Students will learn how energy moves through an ecosystem as they struggle to survive in this large scale simulation game. 
  • Orienteering:  Students will be given a basic lesson on using a  compass and taking bearings. Parts of the compass, map reading, and pace measurement will all be taught. A treasure hunt will end your students’ lesson! 
Group Development
  • Teambuilding: The activities on low ropes course help promote group cohesion, communication, and the recognition of the role all participants play in the success of the group as a whole. 
  • Eco-Teambuilding: As groups complete challenges and learn to work together, they will also learn more about the environment and our role in protecting it. 
  • High Ropes Teambuilding (5th+): Students will need to communicate and work together as they scale our Tango Tower.
Goal Setting and Adventure
  • Archery: Students will learn the safety guidelines and skills needed to fire compound bows. The first time they hit the target, your students’ confidence will soar! 
  • Canoe Instruction: Learn the parts of the canoe and the paddle, different strokes, and basic waterfront safety. 
  • Zip Line:  Our Zip Line personally challenges students to push themselves and try something new, while also building interpersonal support skills while they cheer on their friends and watch them glide down!  Our zip line has a ground level start point.  
  • Tango Tower: Our staff will help your students achieve their goals as they climb our 50 ft. climbing structure, which includes a rock wall, cargo net, and other vertical challenges. 
Bring the Classroom Outdoors (No Cost Activities)

Your staff may also wish to plan their own lessons while at camp. We have many beautiful natural spaces, including an outdoor classroom and numerous gathering spaces. Some examples of lessons your teachers could lead:

  • Art Projects
  • Egg Drop
  • Outdoor Cooking Lesson
  • Pond Study
  • Water Rockets
  • Writing Activities
  • Any material you would normally cover in the classroom.

We also offer a range of programs where Kitaki can provide all the supplies and instructions, and your teachers can lead and supervise. There is no cost associated with any of these activities if your teachers choose to lead them:

  • Capture the Flag: This run around game is a camp classic!
  • Ga Ga: A fun, non-violent  variation on dodgeball.  Always a student favorite!
  • Human Foosball: A life-sized version of the traditional  table game where your students are the players!
  • Nature Hike: We have over 200 beautiful acres for you to enjoy and explore. We’ll provide maps and animal track keys to help make your hike a memorable one.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Explore the camp grounds and compete to see who has the sharpest eye. We’ll even provide the lists!
  • Service Projects: There are always projects around camp. A great chance for your students to learn about service and volunteerism.
  • Talent or Skit Show: Our staff will help come up with fun ideas and supply props to help enhance the show.
  • Music Playground: Bring along your music teachers to give lessons on our outdoor Music Playground!
Overnight Activities

If your group is staying overnight, our staff will help run an evening programs for your students. Here are just a few of the evening activities available.

Science Exploration

  • Astronomy: Local experts will highlight some of the most impressive sights in the night sky.
  • Owl Prowl: Learn about owl adaptations and calls.
  • Night Vision: Explore the science behind sight on a hike through the woods.

Creative Expression

  • Campfire Sing-a-long: We’ll start the fire and help with the songs, but your students may want to take center stage! (S’mores optional)
  • Disco Fever: Your camp hosts double as DJs, teaching dances to camp appropriate tunes.
  • Minute to Win It: Inspired by the game show, students will compete in a series of super short, super fun challenges.
  • Muckman’s Suitcase: A silly and competitive group game.
  • Skits in a Bag: Give your students a chance to show off their talents.
  • Songfest Competition: Teams are given a word and a set amount of time to sing a song with that word in it. Points are awarded for participation and creativity.

Group Development

  • Boundary Breakers (5th+): This question and answer style game allows students to create deeper connections with their peers.
  • Forced Choices (6th+): Our facilitators will help your students discuss race, class, ability, and other factors that influence their lives in a safe setting.
  • Teambuilding: Students will be divided into groups and given challenges that inform discussions of leadership and cooperation.
Extended Day Schedule

Below you will find a sample schedule for our Outdoor Education program.
8:45am  Arrival and Orientation
9:15am  Begin Activity Rotations
11:30am  Sack Lunch
12:15pm  Continue Activity Rotations
5:00pm  Cookout Dinner
6:00pm  Load busses and head home

State Curriculum Standards

Our programs are tailored to meet specific state curriculum standards. Contact us to see a list of the curriculum standards for each activity.

 

A variety of meal options are available to fit with your schedule and needs. Camp Kitaki can prepare your meals in our Dining Hall, help lead a cookout for your students, or you are welcome to bring sack lunches.

If Kitaki will be arranging the meal, please let us know the number of  people dining with us, as well as any dietary needs or food allergies your students may have (we can accommodate to most if we are given proper notification).

As part of our character development curriculum, we do ask students to assist with minor clean-up after the meal that includes scraping remains off their plates, putting their dishes near the dish room, and wiping off their tables.

During meals, Kitaki staff will be available to share a brief program of nature facts, songs, and moments of science if your group is interested.

Sample Menus:

Breakfast: 
Variety of Cold Cereals, French Toast Sticks, Sausage Links, Mixed Fruit, Milk and Apple Juice, Coffee and Tea

Lunch:  
Mini Corn Dogs, Macaroni and Cheese, Green Beans, Apples and Oranges, Ice Cream Bars, Fruit Punch and Water

Dinner:   
Chicken Tenders, Mashed Potatoes, Corn, Dinner Rolls, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Lemonade and Water

Cookouts:  
Hot Dogs, Potato Chips, Fresh Fruit, S’mores, Fruit Punch and Water

 

 

Lodging

An overnight in our comfortable, heated and air-conditioned cabins will enhance group bonding and allow your students to practice life skills such as independence and consideration for others.

Most cabins have a capacity of 15 with twin-sized bunk beds and an individual restroom. Students are asked to provide their own bedding, towels, and personal items.

We ask that at least one adult chaperone stay in each cabin.  Camp staff are happy to help organize students into cabin groups.


Facilities
Camp Kitaki is located between Omaha and Lincoln, with over 200 beautiful acres nestled along the Platte River.

We offer well kept, temperature controlled facilities year round, and provide well trained, professional staff to host your group’s stay.

Our staff would be happy to arrange a tour to answer any questions you may have and to assist in your planning. 

 

Our job is to work with your school to build a program that best meets the needs of your staff and students, and of course fits within your school’s budget. We are happy to help with every step of the planning process in order to make your Outdoor Education experience as simple and stress-free as possible.

Please contact us with any questions you may have, or to inquire about booking an event with us. We look forward to working with you!

402-434-9222 or campkitaki@ymcalincoln.org