Diversity. Community. Sustainability.

Take your students outdoors for an unforgettable learning adventure with Dunes Learning Center.

Our environmental education programs explore the science of ecosystems, plus the relationships between people and their environment over time. With a focus on the Indiana Dunes region, these nature-based adventures support Indiana Academic Standards in science, social studies, geography, math, and English/language arts. 

Along with a range of program options outlined, you’ll find that the education team at Dunes Learning Center takes great pride in working closely with you to customize content and activities to meet the needs of your students, whether a day program or overnight experience.

When students spend time outdoors, they are healthier, happier, and more successful in school!

Environmental education is important. Along with teaching children to care for and protect natural resources, it leads to improved academic success. Decades of research shows outdoor learning can boost standardized test scores while increasing 21st Century skills such as: Critical thinking, Self confidence, Creativity, Collaboration, Communication, and Perseverance.

Programs with Dunes Learning Center provide hands-on, memorable experiences that encourage students to consider how their values and behaviors can influence and ultimately impact the world around them.

Programs present differing perspectives, encourage students to consider new ideas, and foster a lifelong love of learning. Our fellows are trained and informed educators who involve the whole person, address multiple learning styles, and facilitate respectful discussions.

At Dunes Learning Center, we strive to ensure our programs are available to ALL students.

Thanks to generous donors and program grants, our scholarship fund provides need-based support to students and schools that lack the economic opportunity to participate in environmental education programs. Funds are available on a sliding scale based on free and reduced-price meal qualification. Participating teachers are invited to nominate students for summer camp scholarships so they can continue exploring, learning, and growing during a full week of camp in their National Park.

Plus, check out our Resource page for grant programs available to schools: RESOURCES

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A Trusted Leader in Environmental Education

Dunes Learning Center has been part of a large-scale research study measuring outcomes for environmental education led by Dr. Marc Stern (Virginia Tech) and Dr. Bob Powell (Clemson) since 2018. Based on observation and student surveys, Dunes Learning Center achieved above-average outcomes for a culturally diverse audience. 

Here’s how we do it: 

The Power of the Group – Properly preparing groups for their visit, offering ways for them to get excited and engaged before a site visit, and keeping group sizes smaller all help build better outcomes.

The Power of the Place – Having students engage viscerally with all their senses in a natural setting outdoors is key. Introducing students to settings foreign to their everyday life also improves outcomes.

The Power of the People – The educators who interact with students are key to success. Engaging with students in a discussion and dialogue, speaking from personal, emotional, and sincere perspectives, works... lectures do not.

The Power of the Message – Clearly outlining ways students can become advocates through small and large actions in their lives beyond the program is a key to helping students move toward behavioral change.