Olympic

Teacher Professional Development

Explore our virtual classroom

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Location

Olympic

Cost

Free

Our Teacher Professional Development workshops are designed to give K - 12 teachers and outdoor educators content knowledge, instructional tools and resources for teaching environmental science in the classroom and school yard. Hands-on activities give participants opportunities to apply the Next Generation Science Standards' practices of science in field investigations and to collaborate with their peers.

All workshops are held at NatureBridge’s Olympic campus on the shores of Lake Crescent. Workshop cost includes lodging, meals and instruction. Clock hours are available.

“

The workshop was relaxing and filled with information. The opportunity to collaborate with other passionate teachers was especially rewarding. And, of course, the meals were spectacular.
Brian Hull, Teacher at St. Mary Catholic School

Workshop Lineup

Workshop August 2 - 5, 2022: Learning from a Distance

This workshop is open to K - 12 teachers who have not participated in Learning from a Distance programs at NatureBridge in the past.

K - 12 teachers are invited to explore Olympic National Park for four summer days with national park staff and NatureBridge educators. Participants will:

Gather information about research, current issues and initiatives impacting national park staff during informal lectures, conversational interviews, formal presentations and online distance learning opportunities.
Visit and interact with three distinct habitats of Olympic National Park which could include a lowland old growth forest hike, a coastal marine shoreline debris clean-up and dynamic river watershed evaluation.
Collaborate with grade level peers to create a robust lesson plan for the K - 12 classroom using links to Olympic National Park's cultural and natural resources. Lesson plans meeting standards will be published on the National Park Service's Education website.

Note: This workshop is designed to deliver an abundance of information and has limited hands-on learning opportunities for participants. National Park Service funding provides 20 free clock hours (10 STEM), pending course completion and submission of a lesson plan at the conclusion of the course.

Registration and Pricing

***AS OF SPRING 2022, THIS PROGRAM IS FULL***

Please fill out this linked form to express your interest and join our waitlist. It is not uncommon for us to admit at least a few people from the waitlist as registered participants' plans change.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to know about Health and Safety (COVID-related)

NatureBridge is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation. The safety of our students, staff and participants is our first priority and a guiding principle for our programs. Throughout NatureBridge's 50 years of working with young people, we have established strong risk management practices and policies. We will continue to refine and update these protocols as the situation and guidance evolves. Our campus follows a robust Health and Safety plan that is overseen by our national Director of Risk Management. The Plan is updated regularly to keep us in line with the latest guidance. The most recent version of this plan and any relevant safety requirements (e.g. testing, masking) will be communicated to registrants in advance of the program start.
What do I need to know about Health and Safety (General)?

The workshop introduction includes a safety briefing for participants. NatureBridge educators have Wilderness First Responder certification. Calling 911 from cell phones or campus land lines alerts local resources. The nearest hospital is in Port Angeles, 30 minutes from campus.
What are the sleeping arrangements?

Participants sleep in heated dorm-style cabins with three bunk beds in each bedroom. Three adults will be assigned to each room.
Do the standard cabins have bathrooms?

Some do, some do not. A nearby bathhouse with group and individual private bathrooms is easily accessible by a well-lit path.
Can I choose my roommate?

Yes. Please give your preference when you register.
Are linens provided?

Yes. NatureBridge provides fitted and flat sheets, pillow case, pillow, comforter and one towel. Some participants bring their own bedding for personal comfort.
Can we pitch tents or park RVs on campus or in the parking area?

No. The closest campgrounds are at Fairholme, Shadow Mountain and Log Cabin Resort.
What is the weather like on the NatureBridge Olympic campus?

Campus has a moderate marine climate with pleasant summers (50 - 70 degrees F) and mild, wet winters (35 to 45 degrees F). Average rainfall is more than 60”/year.
What clothing should I bring to be comfortable?

Participants may be outdoors from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. with extended hiking and standing activities. Bring comfortable hiking/walking shoes, non-cotton socks and three layers of clothing: base layer, insulating layer and outer/weather resistant layer. Participants receive a detailed packing list prior to arrival.
Is there cell phone reception on the NatureBridge Olympic campus?

Yes, most cell phones work on our campus. The landline is located in the Rosemary Inn Fireside Room.
Does NatureBridge have WiFi with internet access?

WiFi is available in the main buildings where workshops take place; however, WiFi is not available in the standard cabins where participants sleep.
Can we bring family?

By enrolling in a TPD workshop, you have joined a class of adult students. Unfortunately, NatureBridge cannot provide lodging and dining on campus for participants' family members. For those traveling to Olympic National Park with family who'd like to stay nearby on Lake Crescent, we recommend Lake Crescent Lodge (walking distance from campus), Log Cabin Resort or Fairholme campground. Many other accommodations can be found in Port Angeles or elsewhere in the vicinity by visiting https://olympicpeninsula.org/lodging/
Can we bring pets?

Our campus does not allow pets in any of the buildings. Dogs can be on leash on the NatureBridge campus and on certain designated trails; however, they are not allowed on any major trails in Olympic National Park.
What is the alcohol policy for adults on the NatureBridge campus?

No alcohol is permitted when student groups are on campus. Nearby, Lake Crescent Lodge is open April through October and has a full bar open to the public until 9 or 10 p.m.
What is the smoking policy on the NatureBridge campus?

All buildings are no smoking areas. Smoking tobacco is permitted only in the general campus parking lot. Marijuana products are not allowed on federal land, which includes NatureBridge campus.