Testimonials

Don’t take our word for it. At Echo Hill Outdoor School, we treasure the feedback we've received from teachers, parents, administrators and students.

TEACHER FEEDBACK:

“Building a tradition of coming to EHOS during the Upper Elementary years has also helped our parents’ bond!” – Linda Wilson, teacher, Butler Montessori School

“They are getting along better, standing up for each other, and helping each other.  Different leaders are emerging as a result of taking on leadership roles at Echo Hill Outdoor School.” – Katie Thomas, teacher, Gilman School

“For the most part our students are from crowded streets in urban neighborhoods.  They have had few opportunities to interact with nature on its own terms. They deeply appreciate and don’t soon forget the EHOS classes which teach respect and conservation values in a variety of creative ways.”  - Eduardo Gamarra, teacher, Oyster Bilingual Elementary School

“The staff is always so supportive of those having homesick issues and building that sense of community.” – Tracie Mays, teacher, Gilman School

“I believe I built a strong rapport with my students, taking them outside of their element.  I plan on reminding them of this patience with courage over comfort routine.  I thought the supervision was dynamic and perfect. “ – Carl Abramowitz, teacher, St. Peter’s School 

“The curriculum was rigorous and relevant to the Next Generation Science Standards students cover in class.  They were leveled appropriately and differentiated as needed.  The various options for classes were effective.  The EHOS experience has helped students to make the connections between concepts learned in the Life/Earth Science classroom and real-life, resulting in deepening knowledge that will serve them now throughout their science educational career.”  - Karen Davis, teacher, Easton Elementary School

ADMINISTRATOR FEEDBACK:

“At Friends, we strive to help children grow to be open-minded, reflective, and well-rounded.  Echo Hill’s program perfectly supports our philosophy of working together to develop both individual and group potential in an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment.”  Greta Rutstein, Director of Academic Administration, Friends’ School of Baltimore

 “The knowledge each student learns about themselves may be your most lasting lesson.  The impact the Outdoor School has on developing interpersonal relations and self-concept is tremendous.  Students are placed in a group and individual situations that cannot be duplicated in the classroom.  Therefore, they have to summon help from within and from others…something they frequently have never had to do before.” - Anonymous ( Private )

 STUDENT & PARTICIPANT FEEDBACK:

 “I learned that I am now short of okay to survive in the woods because I know how to use a compass, use land markings, and how to build a sturdy shelter.  But lastly, I know that I’m now ready for middle school.” – Keira, student, Hillcrest Elementary School Student

 “Mostly I learned about myself.  I may not be as athletic as other people, but I found out that I do have something inside of me that some people don’t have; something inside of me that said, “Keep going!’ when I thought I couldn’t.  I can do things that other people enjoy without being teased about what I look like.  These are some of the things that I learned about myself.  I also learned that the people in my class like me and make me feel good.” – Elisa G., student

 “I learned that I can do more things out in life like make a fire, than I thought I could.  I also learned that I can make friends by just being kind, and being myself. “ - Tyler Williams, student, Hillcrest Elementary School

 “I learned that I like it better outside than inside on my phone.” – Trinity Thompson, student

“Echo Hill was great.  I enjoyed every bit of it! My favorite activity was Swamp Ecology.  The Echo Hill staff is very nice and kind.  Everyone was always making sure you wanted to do something and if you didn’t you didn’t have to.  Echo Hill was super fun.  I wish I could stay there forever.  Echo Hill was the best filed trip I have ever been on.  I wish I could go back and stay forever.”

-Lily, student, Chapel District Elementary School

 “Echo Hill was an awesome adventure.  Thank you for teaching me Swamp Ecology.  I loved seeing the swamp and learning how it came to be.  How interesting it is to know that we can actually see that everything in the swamp is connected.  I liked walking on the boardwalk all the way out into the wilds of the swamp. I hope I get to see you again.”  - Caeli, student

 “I really enjoyed being outdoors in the wildlife and learning new things and learning about the environment.  Thank you Echo Hill teachers for teaching me and helping me overcome my fears.”  —Mackenzie Huston, student