As part of our strategy to continually improve our programming, we consistently evaluate ourselves and review guest feedback of what we’re doing. During the past school year, we’ve interviewed a lead staff member from each visiting school during their visit and ask this person to record their impressions of the experience we offer. The recent trends are reflected in this graph:
Additionally, many of these staff members described why they have returned:
- “There is no other place around here that you can get quality educational learning on the topics that Eagle Bluff has to offer. Also the outstanding staff and great learning environment.”
- “You are like family.”
- “Outdoor experiences and programs are important for our students. In addition, the community building they get when they come here is powerful.”
- “A fantastic opportunity for our city kids to experience nature/woods/challenge!”
- “The look on kids’ faces when we leave… they don’t want to leave.”
We’ve also asked students throughout the 2017-2018 school year to fill out some surveys. We have received some great explanations from them as well. Of course, a few didn’t like the beds, the scrambled eggs, or being asked to do things outside. But otherwise the trends show that students not only had fun, but learned a lot:
Some students described their thoughts:
- “I can try new things and find that I am braver than I realized.” – 5th grader
- “I never liked sleepovers or being away from family – but I did it and had so much fun!” – 8th grader
- “I learned about myself was to take risks and also interact with other people whom I don’t usually talk to or interact with as much.” – 8th grader
- “I learned I can do more than I thought I could if I set a goal for myself.” – 7th grader
- “I can be away from my electronics for a few days and survive.” – 6th grader
- “I have an easier life than pioneers.” – 4th grader
- “[The point was] to uncover skills you didn’t know you had, to challenge yourself/get out of your comfort zone, to increase teamwork, to learn more about your friends, and to HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!” – 5th grader
- “I think the point of the trip was to save and care for our environment and to take risks as human beings.” – 8th grader
One of the final survey questions tells students that we hope an Eagle Bluff trip can change lives. Then we ask, if it changed their life, how? Students responded:
- “I stood up to partner with a girl on the high ropes course when no one else wanted to.” – 7th grader
- “It makes me take chances and do things I would not get to do at home” – 8th grader
- “Taught me about waste. I now take shorter showers to save water. Only take what I think I can eat.” – 4th grader
- “Didn’t know much about nature and pioneer life and now I appreciate my life more.” – 4th grader
- “It changed my life because now I’m not as scared of heights and I can trust people better and I learned how to take care mmmmmm better care of the environment.” – 5th grader
Based off not only the surveys listed here, but also our personal interactions with schools, students and staff alike are enjoying and benefiting from our programs! Our staff dedicate a lot of time to continually improving our programs. For this reason, we really appreciate the thank yous that we receive and the acknowledgement that this work really does better the lives of others.
We do receive thank yous in all kinds: verbal, hugs, survey responses and even mailed letters. Celebrate a great year with us by reading a few of these messages. And thanks again for joining in our community!
