INFORMATION SHEET (FOR PARENTS)
Sumatanga Environmental Center - is a one or three-day residential hands-on science & math center. We have been up and running since the 2003-2004 school year. Sumatanga has served for half a century as the summer camping facility for The United Methodist Church. The Environmental Center is nonsectarian and is offered to all students regardless of race, religion, ability or gender.
Location
Sumatanga is located in the northeast comer of St. Clair County near Attalla. We are 55 miles NE of Birmingham off I-59. We have 1700+ acres of hardwood forests, open fields; and shady streams that provide habitat for and abundance of wildlife.
Objectives of the Center are:
- Providing students with opportunities to discover the wonders of their community and local environment
- Thinking critically about environmental issues
- Developing a sense of place related to environmental stewardship
- Students will have a deeper knowledge of and appreciation for conservation and preservation of natural resources
Supervision
Supervision is by the Sumatanga instructors during classes and activities and by the school's teachers and chaperones at other times. We require that your school bring at least one adult to cover each field and/or cabin group.
Groups
Groups consist of 10 - 12 students from your school in a "Field Group", a teacher or chaperone from your school, and a Sumatanga Instructor. At night your child will be in a "Hall Groups' of about 10 students and one to two chaperones from your school.
Instructors
Instructors have a college degree and is trained in a child-centered, experiential approach to environmental education. They love working with children and each one brings his/her own bag of knowledge and experience to their teaching. The ratio of one Instructor for every twelve students promises safety as well as a personalized learning experience - with plenty of fun, adventure, and confidence building.
Classes
We offer about 15 different classes here at the Center. From these your child's teacher(s) has/have chosen the classes all of the students from your child's school will be taking, based on their goals for the visit. The classes are correlated with the Alabama Course of Study for Science, Social Studies, and Math.
Housing
The Lodge has 4 wings that are dormitory style sleeping (14 rooms with two bunk beds each and 2 hall bath areas). Each room will sleep 4 people, has 2 closets, and a sink. Each of the baths has two showers, three commodes, and 3 sinks.
Food
Our Dining Hall serves nutritious, kid-friendly meals. Students receive breakfast lunch and dinner as well as an afternoon snack (this they usually pay for) and an evening snack. We serve cafeteria style. We ask that you not send any additional food which might attract "critters" to the rooms.
Phone Calls
We do not encourage phone calls home because it can initiate homesickness, thus students are not permitted to use the phone. Cell phone usage is limited in our area. Please refrain from calling your child. In case of an emergency, call 256/538-9860 or 256/533-0789, Anne Horton our Director. To send your child a letter, mail it to our address with the child's name and the school name on it.