Some students in the Papillion-La Vista School District started the school year learning outside the classroom.
All sixth-graders spend two days and one night at the Eastern Nebraska 4-H Camp south of Gretna.
"It's nice to see the kids just out of the everyday normal learning setting, and so it's exciting to see how they react to being outside," said Carly Martin, with G. Stanley Hall Elementary.
Students navigated their way through a high-ropes course, conducted water tests and learned about different soils.
Kyler Shoquette said he enjoyed the hands-on lessons.
"We get to do multiple experiences that you don't normally get to do on a normal day of school. Like you may learn about it, but you can't see it first-hand," Shoquette said.
The kids also walked through tall-grass prairies similar to the ones on the Oregon Trail, took part in stargazing and did some square dancing.
"I think that's a really good experience to have because it's like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Shoquette said.
Martin said she enjoyed being outside and learned a little more about her students while being there.
"You never see how they react being in a forest and how they can handle it, so it's been fun to see," Martin said.
The outdoor education program continues through the beginning of October.