Vicksburg Schools Outdoor Education Center

06/17/2026

Had an awesome first day of "The Art of Nature" summer Art Camp, with AMAZING weather and some fantastic teachers and group leaders! Definitely soaking in the nice weather while we can, and looking forward to more Art Camp later this summer!

If you're interested in learning more about our remaining three camp sessions, head over to https://vicksburgarts.org/kids-%26-youth-programs

Scholarships are available to anyone in need! Call Vicksburg Arts at 269-200-2223 for more info!

06/10/2026

Check out this class from Sunset Lake using our awesome new microscopes with screens! They made learning what was in the lake so much more accessible! It was fun for us to compare the organisms we found to what is usually found in the creek behind the OEC.

05/22/2026

One of our fourth graders spotted this Pileated Woodpecker last week. Seems like an unusual nesting site, but you better believe we are stalking this spot for more activity! We are so blessed at VCS to have a place for this type of outdoor learning and observation.

05/22/2026

And now, meet Ms. Rose-Breasted Grosbeak. We’ve been watching a couple of males showing off to impress her. The male lifts his head and shows off his red chest. And often, another male swoops in and chases that one away. How will she choose?🥰

05/22/2026

How about a little Rose Breasted Grosbeak enjoying some bird seed!😊❤️🖤🤍

05/08/2026

Thank you voters!

We are incredibly grateful for the support shown by our community in approving the 2026 Vicksburg Community Schools bond proposal. Your vote represents a shared commitment to our students, our schools, and the future of our district.

Because of your support, we will be able to move forward with meaningful improvements that enhance safety, expand opportunities, and enrich the overall learning experience for every VCS student. From secure entryways to new spaces for academics, arts and athletics, this investment will have a lasting impact across our district.
This bond builds on the strong foundation created by past community support, and we are honored by the trust you have placed in us to continue that work. We are committed to being responsible stewards of these resources and to keeping our community informed every step of the way.
Most importantly, thank you for believing in our students and in the power of public education!

Thank you for being with us.

05/07/2026

Fifth graders from Mrs. Frommann’s class at Tobey worked hard today! They began the day testing the water in our channel for temperature, turbidity (clarity), pH, and dissolved oxygen to determine if it’s a healthy waterway. (Results= everything is good but dissolved oxygen, which is low)

Then the students came back to the building to predict what might live in our stream based on the quality of the water. They recorded a prediction, had lunch, a fun recess in the woods, and then these scientists went back to the docks with a load of supplies to observe water samples and what might be living there. This is my favorite thing we do at the OEC. Kids quickly get drawn in when they find a tiny little organism swimming in a white tub! Some of the findings were soooo tiny today, but we are lucky to have grant funding for some really great microscopes so we can see the details!

05/07/2026

This is a great opportunity for kids in the summer! Students love this camp!

Art of Nature Summer Camp registrations are filling quickly!
Be sure to get your camper signed up for a week of summer fun with Vicksburg Arts! 🎨🌿

Camp Options:
Full Day (Ages 9–12): June 15–19 & July 13–17 (8:30 AM–2:30 PM)
Half Day (Ages 6–8): June 22–26 & July 20–24 (8:30 AM–12:00 PM)

Add-On Options:
Morning Bonus Session (6:30–8:00 AM) — $35
Afternoon Bonus Session (3:00–4:30 PM) — $35

All supplies are included, and campers will explore art through nature, creativity, and hands-on outdoor experiences!

Scholarships available — we want every child to have access to this experience.

🔗 Register now: https://vicksburgarts.org/kids-%26-youth-programs



Thank you to our partners: Zhang Financial and Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo

05/05/2026

I voted! Did you?❤️

05/05/2026

We interrupt our regular bird content for a new sighting! Give it up for this ‘lil Painted Turtle! It stayed with us all day long- putting up with two dock visits by fifth graders! Isn’t it the cutest?!💗🐢🎉