Outdoor Learning at MGCS: Benefits and Success Stories
At Myrtle Grove Christian School, learning goes far beyond the classroom. Our Outdoor Learning Village—including gardens, a chicken coop, a nature trail, and more—offers students hands-on experiences that nurture their minds, character, and faith. These spaces have become a hallmark of our campus, inspiring growth, exploration, and stewardship.
A Living Classroom
Our campus is alive with opportunities for outdoor learning, including:
- Five Chickens and a Rooster: Beloved by students, our chickens and very vocal rooster, Big Mac, provide daily lessons in care, responsibility, and patience.
- Thriving Gardens: Students grow vegetables like green beans, collards, broccoli, and carrots. Mrs. Ornsby’s gardening elective plays a key role in maintaining the gardens and chicken coop, giving students a sense of ownership and pride.
- Outdoor Learning Sandbox: A favorite for fossil and seashell digs, the sandbox fosters curiosity and teaches foundational concepts in geology.
- Nature Trail: Used for scavenger hunts, tree identification, and nature walks, the trail engages students in active learning. Bird feeders along the trail attract a variety of species, enhancing bird identification activities.
Lessons in Stewardship
At MGCS, stewardship is a core value, and outdoor learning brings it to life. Composting serves as a powerful example:
- Food scraps and garden waste are composted to create nutrient-rich soil.
- This soil nourishes plants that feed students and chickens.
- Chicken waste returns to the compost, completing a God-honoring cycle of renewal.
Through this process, all students participate in the science of sustainability and the spiritual importance of caring for God’s creation.
Connecting Learning to Creation
Outdoor learning spaces also reinforce academic lessons and critical thinking. For example:
- Winter Animals Exploration: While studying winter wildlife, students go on a nature hike where Mrs. Kennedy hides pictures of animals in places they might inhabit during winter. This hands-on activity helps students think critically about how animals adapt—such as snakes brumating instead of hibernating—while using observation and reasoning skills.
- Patience and Self-Control: Activities like identifying seedlings or waiting quietly for a chicken to approach help develop these fruits of the Spirit.
- Biblical Worldview: By connecting to creation, students see themselves as caretakers in God’s world, deepening their understanding of His plan.
Building Lifelong Skills and Faith
Outdoor experiences like picking vegetables, feeding chickens, or identifying birds teach practical skills while fostering curiosity and a biblical worldview. These moments nurture godly character and prepare students to make a difference in the world while serving Christ.
Outdoor learning at MGCS isn’t just about gardens, chickens, or trails. It’s about instilling values, cultivating curiosity, and providing students with opportunities to grow in knowledge and faith. We’re excited to see how these spaces continue to enrich our community!
