Outdoor Education

Virtual Outdoor Education

Get a taste of Joy even when you can’t be with us

We’ve compiled a ton of fun online resources so that you and your campers can get creative, learn, and play from home!

Check back often as we’ll continue to add content throughout the year.

See the trees through the forest... And so much more

Tree Identification at Camp Joy

Trees of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning and identifying trees in Ohio streams. Check it out but keep in mind that “landscaping trees” found along the roads and houses can differ from the trees found in your forested parks.

Spring Wildflowers Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying wildflower growing in the forest of Ohio during spring. These blooms are almost gone, hurry!

The anatomy of a flower – Did you know that there are 7 basic parts to a flower? Take a gander!

Bees and Wasps of Ohio Guide – I know… but The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying bees and wasps found in Ohio. Check it out because they are out there and you might as well know what it was that made you scream.

Moths of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying moths found in Ohio. Check it out.

Common Birds of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying the common birds found in Ohio. Check it out and listen up.

Mammals of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying Mammals in Ohio. Check it out.

Reptiles of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying reptiles you can find in Ohio. Check it out.

The Spring Scoop on Salamanders

Salamander Search in Camp Joy’s Fossil Creek

Amphibians of Ohio Guide

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning about and identifying frogs, toads and salamanders found in Ohio. Check it out.

The Spring Scoop on Salamanders

Please read! Before you go on a salamander hunt please check this out.

Welcome to Our Campus

Spring in Camp Joy’s Greenhouse – Join our staff on a tour of Joni’s Greenhouse here at Camp Joy and learn a little about our hydroponic grow stations.

Camp Joy’s Nature Center – Join our staff on a tour of the Cedar Crest Nature Center here at Camp Joy and meet some of our little fiends that cannot wait for you to visit

Campfire Songs

Camp Joy Songs – Learn the lyrics to many of our favorite campfire and pastime Camp songs.

Wetland Adventures

The Wetland Rap– Ok, it is bad but catchy, and you can actually learn something from this song. Give it a chance!

Here’s the scoop on Camp Joy’s Pond

Amphibians of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning and identifying frogs, toads and salamanders found in Ohio. Check it out.

Stream Fish Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning and identifying fish in Ohio streams. Check it out.

Water birds of Ohio – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning and identifying birds that depend on wetlands in Ohio for food and shelter. Check it out.

Sportfish of Ohio Guide – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) put together this booklet for you to start learning and identifying birds that depend on wetlands in Ohio for food and shelter. Check it out.

Pond Study Data Sheet – Going for a hike near a pond or creek? Print this off or load it on your phone to play a game of hide and seek with nature.

Macroinvertebrate ID sheet – You are going to have to turn over rocks and scoop in the muck to find all of these wonderful creatures. Print or load this before your next wetland visit. PS. Please put everything back the way you found it, when exploring in nature.

You Should be Asleep - but if not, keep looking up (Astronomy)

Planets in our solar system – Beginner activity to learning the planets in our solar system.

July 2020 Sky Map – See what constellations and astronomical wonders that are visible in the night sky this month. There is still plenty to see even without binoculars or a telescope.