Sometimes the most memorable lessons in life don't come from a textbook. Sometimes you just have to "see it, touch it, do it, or experience it" firsthand. And what better "classroom" setting than Nature?

There are many "hands-on" lessons students and staff from schools throughout Ohio learn each fall to spring during visits to "School Camp" at Hiram House, located on 172 wooded acres on 33775 Hiram Trail in Moreland Hills in the scenic Chagrin Valley.

Many schools incorporate camp programs as part of their science, social studies or math curriculum on a variety of topics ranging from "Stream, Pond & Bog Studies", "Plant Identification", "Orienteering", to "Math in the Outdoors", or to learn outdoor skills like archery, boating, or fishing.

New this season, campers will get to test their skills as they experience a new 35-foot Climbing Wall built as part of the Camp's Challenge and Adventure Program.

Visitors can also use the Environmental Center & Weather Station or elements of the outdoor Challenge Program, like the "Raging River", "Spider's Web","Trust Fall", or the "Trolley", and hundreds of others, designed to teach individuals group cooperation, communication, self-confidence, and leadership skills, all essential for success throughout life.

They learn about American history or the pioneering experience through activities at the camp's Frontier Fort, Conestoga Wagons, Teepees, Log Cabins, and Treehouse. Other favorite attractions include an 1890s Fire Station, Train Caboose, acres of streams, ponds, meadows, woods and wildlife.

Or, school groups can stimulate students' creativity and imagination with "Art, Poetry, or Writing in the Great Outdoors" or help them discover the wonders of Astronomy and the Universe with "Star Gazing in the Night Sky" or explore the earth's Geology with "Northeast Ohio's Rocks and Fossils".

Hiram House and its professional staff work closely with educators to design programs to meet their educational goals, objectives and proficiency needs. They also strive to promote character, self-esteem, teambuilding, family values, and open new horizons for youth in an atmosphere that is racially, ethnically, socioeconomically, and coeducationally diverse.

Hiram House is an accredited member of the American Camping Association. Conveniently located in northeast Ohio, just southeast of Greater Cleveland, Hiram House offers a variety of three, four or five day residential school camps (with overnight stays), daylong field trips, group retreats, educational and adventure programs, from September through May.

Most residential programs are geared toward the elementary and middle school grades, but the camp and its facilities are also open to students and educators at the junior high and high school levels. Public school districts, independent and religious schools and educational groups are welcome.

Among the many interactive outdoor activities offered to complement your school camp lessons are: archery, boating, camp crafts, challenge program, climbing wall, exploring, fishing, hiking, orienteering, environmental and wildlife studies. In winter months*, snowshoeing, tubing and cross country skiing provide additional options. (*winter rentals available)

Many Ohio schools visit Hiram House School Camp each academic year. Programs can be flexible and tailored to meet your group's individual needs and goals. Please call us at (216) 831-5045, write to Russell R. Grundke, Executive Director, at 33775 Hiram Trail, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022, or email info@hiramhousecamp.org for more information. Schedule your School Camp experience today!