The Final Outdoor School

TYLERSVILLE – For 31 years, Mrs. Donna Dorey led an outdoor experience for sixth graders in Keystone Central School District. Even through retirement Mrs. Dorey continued to organize the program. For many years Outdoor School was held at the Kiwanis Camp in Mackeyville, later owned by KCSD. The last several, the sixth graders headed to the Seig Educational Center located near Tylersville and owned by Lock Haven University.

“I could not have done it all these years without the help and partnership with Lock Haven University and Dr. Jeff Walsh” said Dorey. Traditionally, university students served as camp counselors for the three-day long program. “The partnership with the university was invaluable” she continued.

As a way to commemorate Mrs. Dorey and Dr. Walsh’s years of Outdoor School, Central Mountain Middle School teacher, Mrs. Jessica Bubniak thought the final program should be a memorable one. With district funding in question during the zero budget, Mrs. Bubniak applied for and was awarded a $1,500 Keystone Central Foundation Teacher Mini-Grant to cover the expenses of the camp. Over the years, Donna Dorey was able to find grants and various funding sources as well as donations to keep Outdoor School alive.

This, the final year, Mrs. Bubniak and Mrs. Dorey utilized the Foundation funding for the last hurrah. The monies were used to purchase food, supplies, and to pay for transportation, and nurse coverage. Dorey and Walsh were surprised with a huge thank you banner, cake, and special visitors to their final Outdoor School.