Builds Community, Personal Growth Through Outdoor ExperiENCES

by Dani Hatfield, NLOM Director of Marketing

“We think that there’s a huge amount of value in saying to all 6th graders, regardless of your background or what elementary school you come from or your socioeconomic status, you’re going to get a chance to experience the outdoors in a controlled setting, in a safe setting, but also in a way that encourages you hopefully to think about how you may have future opportunities to spend time outdoors,” Dr. Rikli shared.

Thanks to the financial support of the Papillion La Vista Schools Foundation and the staff and facility at Carol Joy Holling Camp, Conference & Retreat Center, Outdoor Education will continue to be a forever memory for Papillion La Vista 6th grade students.

“This really is a capstone event for our kids, regardless of grade level,” Dr. Rikli acknowledged. “It’s something that they remember. It’s something that they only get to experience once in their 13 years with Papillion La Vista Community Schools, but it’s such a profound experience it carries with them beyond graduation.”

Nebraska Lutheran Outdoor Ministries (NLOM) recognized Papillion La Vista Community Schools with the Partnership Award for providing educational opportunities for children to grow in the outdoors at the tenth annual Heart of Camp Gala on April 1.

“We do this program not because we’re seeking awards or recognition,” Dr. Rikli emphasized. “We do it because it’s the right thing to do. We do it because it creates opportunities for kids. And we do it because we feel it strengthens families.”