Our Mission
The FIRESIDE outdoor education program at RMSS is a two credit program established in recognition of the value and importance of outdoor education experiences. This co-ed, hands-on, group oriented and self-contained program combines in-class learning with outdoor experiential learning, so that intensive, safe, and enjoyable learning experiences can occur outdoors in natural settings. Students will collaborate with community partners and organizations to build empathy towards the environment while completing senior curriculum. This program, in conjunction with community, industry, and educational partnerships will help foster environmental awareness and promote lifelong environmental stewardship.
The FIRESIDE program offers two senior level courses applicable for all pathways:
PAD 3O Outdoor Education (Phys Ed. Curriculum)
IDC 3O Interdisciplinary Studies – Environmental Education
These courses offer students an active and creative approach to outdoor experiential learning. Besides learning practical technical skills, there is emphasis on healthy living, informed decision-making, conflict resolution, environmental awareness and appreciation, creative problem solving, and leadership. Both individual and group skills are developed in a meaningful and creative manner.
Course objectives encompass the following:
1. To provide opportunities to develop an understanding of the interrelationships in the natural world and an awareness of how we affect, and are affected by, the environment.
2. To provide a unique dimension for the promotion and encouragement of independence, resourcefulness, flexibility, creativity, ingenuity and problem solving.
3. To develop an appreciation of the patterns, structure, and interdependence in the natural and physical environment through activities involving observation, classification, presentation, cooperation and reflection.
4. To help provide opportunities for students to experience feelings such as wonder, loneliness, stress, fatigue, joy, success, and accomplishment.
5. To provide opportunities for students to develop leisure time skills useful throughout life.
6. To provide opportunities for students to develop attitudes of cooperation and sensitivity to others.
7. To provide opportunities for students to increase their knowledge of, and confidence in, the outdoors.
The FIRESIDE program offers two senior level courses applicable for all pathways:
PAD 3O Outdoor Education (Phys Ed. Curriculum)
IDC 3O Interdisciplinary Studies – Environmental Education
These courses offer students an active and creative approach to outdoor experiential learning. Besides learning practical technical skills, there is emphasis on healthy living, informed decision-making, conflict resolution, environmental awareness and appreciation, creative problem solving, and leadership. Both individual and group skills are developed in a meaningful and creative manner.
Course objectives encompass the following:
1. To provide opportunities to develop an understanding of the interrelationships in the natural world and an awareness of how we affect, and are affected by, the environment.
2. To provide a unique dimension for the promotion and encouragement of independence, resourcefulness, flexibility, creativity, ingenuity and problem solving.
3. To develop an appreciation of the patterns, structure, and interdependence in the natural and physical environment through activities involving observation, classification, presentation, cooperation and reflection.
4. To help provide opportunities for students to experience feelings such as wonder, loneliness, stress, fatigue, joy, success, and accomplishment.
5. To provide opportunities for students to develop leisure time skills useful throughout life.
6. To provide opportunities for students to develop attitudes of cooperation and sensitivity to others.
7. To provide opportunities for students to increase their knowledge of, and confidence in, the outdoors.