Education Programs at Kings Gap Environmental Education Center

Kings Gap is committed to providing a diverse array of environmental education and recreational programs. Programming is offered year round to schools, civic groups, and the community. Educational programs are standards-based, age-specific, and generate learning through discovery and a hands-on approach. Kings Gap also strives to teach outdoor skills that lead to healthy, lifelong outdoor enjoyment.

A schedule of community programs is available at the center. School programs can be arranged by calling the center at 717-486-3799.

Formal Program Offerings

Pre-School: These programs combine sensory awareness, discovery learning, storytelling, and nature crafts to help preschoolers learn and experience their environment.

Elementary (K-5): Children are actively involved in exploring the environment around them. Emphasis is placed on the student’s imagination and the power of observation.

Intermediate (6-8): Programs are centered on exploring the environment using a scientific approach. Students are responsible for collecting and analyzing data.

Secondary (9-12): Programs emphasize critical thinking and problem solving skills while fostering an appreciation for the environment. Kings Gap offers Watershed Education, and programs on topics like problem solving and biodiversity.

College: Programs are provided upon request. Externship opportunities are available for students seeking degrees in environmental education, resource management, biology, and other related fields.

Teacher Training: A variety of natural history and curricula workshops are available to teachers, through both credit and non-credit workshops as well as in-service and pre-service teacher workshops. These workshops are designed to provide information and ideas that can easily be integrated into the classroom.

Non-Formal Program Offerings

Summer Camps: During the summer months, youths ages 4 to 12 are invited to participate in the DCNR's Bureau of State Parks’ DiscoverE Day Camps. This series of outdoor learning programs give young people opportunities to explore and learn about the environment in three age specific levels.

Special Events: Kings Gap provides special programming on a variety of topics, including environmental scout day, an annual native plant sale, adventure camp, new family camper program, and earth week.

Public Programs: Community programs present various environmental topics in an informative and entertaining way through media presentations, trail walks, and public workshops.