OLC Memories
Share your memories of the Outdoor Learning Center by sending your stories to web@fwisd.org. Read through the memories and, maybe, add your own!
I remember going to this camp for a week during elementary school. So much fun, especially the zip line. I remember we had a bad storm, and I was stuck in the blacksmith shop for 2 hours with my group!
Bobby Pierce
As a 63 year old retired Fort Worth teacher, I can honestly say that my years of teaching at the OLC were the best two years of my life. I have never felt more in my element then there, outside, introducing children to the wonders of nature. Janice, I enjoyed reading your entry and have fond memories of working with you. I began as Don's aide and later, Tony Goss became my teaching assistant and good friend. Oh, how he made me laugh. I didn't know there was a memorial to him, nor did I know about the rededication of the OLC until I just now happened upon it on the district web site. Closing that facility was a travesty. Kudos to Kathy Cash for all her effort toward reopening it. I researched the Pope family and left photos and tape recorded interviews there. I hope someone has it. I have artifacts found near the cellar. There was also a photo there of a great horned owl rescued from a steel jaw trap; I named him Claudius. I wonder if anyone has it.
My memories from there bring me such delight. I was giving a lesson at the bee hive when we heard a crescendo of activity inside. Suddenly, the bees swarmed outside in a black cloud. We followed and found where part of the hive had formed a new community high up in a tree.
Two red foxes that came to our campfires, a coyote following the hay ride, tractor headl ights startling killdeer on a moon lit night, the skunk on the porch, identifying tracks, examining scat, canoeing, tree identification, conservation, ecology, snakes, frogs, purple thistle, Wilbur, the zip line, precious faces of children who'd never been under a canopy of trees and were terrified of Daisy the milk cow, being up all night with a homesick child, the symphony of sounds at night, the smell of nature's compost. These are the memories that make me smile.
I'd love to visit again and walk the trails. The OLC will always have a place in my heart.
Suzanne Jorgensen
I went to the Outdoor Learning Center during the 1985-86 school year. I remember seeing a Garden spider aka zipper spider for the first time. I thought the zig zag in the web was the coolest thing ever. That's also where I learned the saying "leaves of three let them be" in reference to poison ivy. It was a great time with great friends.
Now that I'm the mother of a Fifth grader, I hope she can have the same, if not a better, experience that I did.
April (Spencer) Kuo
I did some digging tonight, after work, and found my game info in an old file! I also found some OLC photos.
Regarding the game, it was selected by a committee as part of the Fort Worth ISD Teacher Awards Program during the 1985-86 school year. I received a $250 cash award. The purpose of the game was to enhance and reinforce the hands-on OLC learning experience, including such things as wildlife terms, TX history,
ecological communities, environmental issues and other aspects related to grade 5 science. The games was designed to meet the guidelines being taught, in a fun and challenging way, to all fifth graders at the OLC.
My notes say that the "OLC Nature Hike Game" was being kept in the "Teacher Center" at 5100 El Campo, Arlington Heights Elem., ground floor. It was a place where teachers could check out projects. I have no idea if it's still a current number or if that school still exists. I have a couple names here: Mrs. Joan Leech and Martha Ingram. I have all my notes about the game, preliminary drawings and some photos of it.
When I worked there, I took a photo of Princess (OLC Quarterhorse) standing by the big Truelson-Hightower Outdoor Learning Center sign out front. I framed it and it was kept in the staff room for several years. I'm wondering if you might find that somewhere? Maybe Bill Fox or Stuart Tennyson might know where it's kept? I thought it was kindo f a neat photo.
I have a really cute picture of Tony Goss and also a particularly precious one of fifth graders bottle feeding a lamb. Anyway, I have approximately 12 - 15 photos to send with many more buried around here somewhere. There's a tree, near the cafeteria, that was planted in memory of Tony. I'm not sure but I think it's a ball willow?
I have so many stories about the OLC! I wouldn't even know where to begin!
I sure wish I could be there for the rededication. I haven't worked there since 1990 but I still love the place. Thank you for making me a part of this. It really means a lot!
Sincerely,
Janice Olson
Lake Stevens, WA
I was in the 5th grade and had such an awesome experience and will never forget. Your counselors were very knowledgeable and exciting. The entire experience still provides a wonderful memory for me. I am excited to know the center will be available once again. This is one experience all students should have the pleasure to experience.
Klani Goodacre
I am so glad to hear this news, especially as the younger generation steps into FWISD. It is a memory that my sister, cousins and me share and a great experience!! Good decision to kick this opportunity back into gear!!
Sharhanda J. Ervin, MBA
I have great memories from the Outdoor Learning Center. When I was a 5th grader at Como Elem. (1988-1989 school year), we went to the OLC. It was my first time staying away from home with a bunch of people that were not family. We had a great time learning about the outdoors. One of my fondest memories was when we took a nature walk and we discovered bits and pieces of different things. I saw what I believe was my 1st 4-leaf clover. As kids we believe almost any and everything and I thought that I was going to have good luck forever!
I remember cutting a piece of small wood and making a necklace out of it. Putting all kinds of crazy designs on it and everything. The best thing about the outdoor learning center was getting to ride the "Zip Line". The elevated cable that we rode down on while hanging onto a bar that was connected to it. I felt like Adam West & Burt Ward in the 1960's TV series version of Batman. :-)
When we left that place all we could do was talk about the OLC and all that we did there. Truly we had a great time (if not us as an entire class, at least I did).
Thank you to all who were responsible for putting that on for us.
Mr. Reuben J. Vaughn, FBS
Health Education Teacher / Football Coach, Power Lifting - Southwest High School
I remember when the outdoor learning center originally started construction. My Father-in-law owned about 23 acres just south and adjacent to the property. We were so happy for them to have such great neighbors.
They are in a nursing home now but they still own the land except for one acre and sadly that one acre is between the learning center and what's left of their property.
I'm glad to see that the place is being used again especially for the children of FWISD.
Roy O'Dell