About the Center
The Kendall County Outdoor Education Center (KCOEC) is physically located on the site of the Hoover Forest Preserve (http://www.co.kendall.il.us/forest-preserve/) at 11285 Fox Road, two miles west of Yorkville, Illinois. The Regional Office of Education (http://www.roe24.org/)acts as the administrative agent for the center. The KCOEC has been providing quality outdoor learning experiences for the students of the Yorkville, Plano, and Sandwich school districts since 1970. We look forward to continuing the adventure into the future.
Because of our unique location, the KCOEC has access to areas of prairie, hardwood forests, several streams, and the Fox River. The facility also has several outdoor teaching stations, a small indoor classroom, a teams challenge course, and a living history area.
The mission of the KCOEC is to provide students the opportunity for experiential learning, in an outdoor setting. While enhancing the standard school curriculum, the KCOEC offers the opportunity for student decision-making, self-confidence development, team building, risk taking, leadership development, and personal adventure. A common thread woven into all outdoor education activities is a strong stewardship responsibility, conservation ethic, and environmental harmony.
The Center provides one-day, outdoor education experiences and multi-day summer trips, for over 8,000 people each year. The participants range in grade from pre-kindergarten through high school and adults. Daily programs are developed with the classroom teacher and are designed to enrich the classroom curriculum.
Lessons at the KCOEC are divided into four areas: Environmental Science, Living History, Map and Compass Skills (which include compass and gps use), and Team Building. Please review the Scope and Sequence by grade level and the Curriculum Guide for more information.