8. November 2008 by DSJC.

Were you lucky enough to have one of those teachers who brought education to life?  You know the kind, perhaps a history teacher who had your class reenact a famous scene?  Or maybe a science teacher who had you build a roller coaster then took your class to the local amusement park to shout out the names of the forces as you rode the coaster?  Well, if you had such a teacher, then you also very likely remember more of what THAT teacher taught you than you remember from other, less engaging classes.  You remember because you involved several if not all of your senses, which, researchers say, contributes to better learning and retention. 

Well, the kids of Orange County, Calif. now have a LOCAL resource through their schools, clubs, Scouting groups, churches for just such learning and growth experiences.  It’s the Outdoor Education Center in Orange, Calif., which is directed by Christine Kirk.  I’ve mentioned her articles before.  

Anyway, Chris and the Outdoor Education Center are currently featured in a couple of great articles by two online publications:  The Orange County Register Green OC blog and Root & Sprout.  The first is a good overview of what the Outdoor Education Center is about and shares that it will officially open this January with limited overnight camping programs.  The second is an article on the importance of outdoor experiences in science education, written by Christine Kirk, especially focused at the elementary school level.  For anyone interested in teaching their children about the environment (or making sure their kids learn about the outdoors), especially parents in Orange County, Calif., since they can get their schools, church & Scout groups and other organizations to take advantage of this really great facility, these two features are excellent reads.  Pass them along!

DSJC

Posted in Environment: Going Green | No Comments »

4. November 2008 by DSJC.

I have to hand it to Starbucks.  They may be struggling under this economy (like so many businesses), but they STILL know how to get people into their locations and encourage purchases.  I’m talking about today’s offer of a free cup of coffee for those who claim it.  I claimed mine today…, and I bought a cup of Perfect Oatmeal.  You see; I didn’t feel right just walking up and getting a free cup of coffee.  As I looked around for something inexpensive to buy, I spotted a new item – Perfect Oatmeal, and I bought it though it was closer to lunch than breakfast.  No matter.  It WAS Perfect Oatmeal.  So, though Starbucks lost a little on me today with its Free Coffee loss leader, it gained a new customer for something I didn’t even know they had.  That’s Perfect Promotion.  What do you think?  Did you do the same—claim your coffee but bought something else?

DSJC.

Posted in Public Relations | No Comments »