For the Beauty of the Earth

As we enter the heart of the autumn season, we are constantly reminded of the beautiful property that we call home. From the rolling hills to the brilliant foliage, DCA helps us appreciate the wonder of God’s creation. 

And, it is in that space that we want our students to spend much of their time, beyond the classroom. 

This article will look at the different facets of learning and fun in the great outdoors, and how DCA offers many outside opportunities that other schools may not have. 

Learning in the Sun: Outdoor Time Is Not Just for Recess

Dublin Christian Academy not only views the outdoors as a recreational space, but also as an extension of our students’ classrooms. Along with a change of scenery, outdoor class time gives our students tangible, hands-on experiences that are difficult to obtain from a textbook.

Science classes are always a great reason to use the “outdoor lab.” You may find Mrs. Meyer’s physical science class testing hypotheses on whether an egg is hard-boiled or raw by smashing them outside. Mr. Fletcher has brought science classes outside at night to study fascinating spectacles in space, like eclipses. 

Our elementary students also experience outdoor class with their butterfly studies. Raising caterpillars in their classrooms, they bring their fully-grown butterflies outside to be released as they learn about metamorphosis. 

Lastly, our parents’ group, Parents Connect, recently hosted a class where students learned how to tan leather: a fun and educational activity that you will not find in your standard school curriculum. By having academic activities outside when possible, our students get a new, refreshing take on bringing pages in their books to life.   

Outdoor Recreation Beyond the Playground

DCA believes that students who work hard should also get to play hard, and we certainly utilize our outdoor spaces for that. 

Our upper school students get the option to spend their lunchtime indoors or outdoors. Unsurprisingly, most of them spend that time outside when the weather permits. Students will spend that time playing games with their classmates or simply going for a walk in the fields, offering them a mental health break from their studies. Our new Get Acquainted Days which occur on the first two school days of the year, include outdoor-heavy activities

For outdoor fun, our school has a lot to offer. Our winter sports and activities lineup is pretty generous, offering tubing, snowshoeing, ice skating, Friday sledding, and our Ski and Ride Club, which offers a five-week learn to ski and ride program for students in grades 3-12. During the upper school’s Winter Bible Conference, outdoor activities in the snow is an absolute must.

Along with the newer playground, we have an upgraded basketball court, a new nine-square court built and assembled by our 6th-grade students, and a new pickleball court is coming soon. And for those who are interested in aeronautics, you can take to the skies with our rocketry club.

From the skating pond to the launchpad, we help each student discover an exciting way to learn, play, and grow beyond the books.  

Outside Events Open to Everyone

Of course, our campus is not only for students to enjoy. There are many activities for families and the community to take part in as well: 

• School concerts are performed outdoors when the weather permits.
• Homecoming (or Alumni Day), where we welcome back DCA alumni each fall with activities, guest speakers, and our Blue and Gold Barbeque. 
• Our graduation ceremony each May brings tears of joy as we send our graduating seniors off into the world.
• The Stag Stampede is our annual race and fundraiser for the DCA athletics program. 

Many of our events that take place outside happen on or around our beloved platform, which is beginning to age and is being outgrown by our expanding school. Each Giving Tuesday (first Tuesday after Thanksgiving), we reach out to our community to raise funds for a project. 

This year, we are hoping to build a new (and bigger) outdoor platform to continue hosting the many special moments that take place there each year. Please consider giving this year to our platform fund.

Thankful to the Creator for His Creation

We are honored and privileged to be the stewards of this beautiful property that is enjoyed by the many people who take in its sights as they walk the grounds and experience God’s creation.

By offering our “outdoor classroom” beyond the desk, our students get to experience learning in an exciting and unique way. To learn more about our property and our programs, please feel free to contact us. We would love for you to visit our campus and take in the beauty of the earth that He has created. 

“In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the heights of the hills are His also. The sea is His, for He made it; and His hands formed the dry land.” Psalm 95:4-5 (NKJV)