Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program
The Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program (LEEP) offers outstanding learning adventures for all ages. LEEP is renowned throughout western Pennsylvania for its high quality, science-oriented programs. Whether you are looking for a school field trip, an educator workshop, a church youth group activity, a scout program, a service project, or a family outing, LEEP has opportunities for you.
Explore 660 acres of deciduous forests, coniferous plantations, streams, lakes, wetlands, meadows, fields, sites of Native American activity, a maple sugar shack, sites of early European settlement, and the first straw bale house built in Pennsylvania.
For more information, to talk to our Environmental Education Director, or to make a reservation, please contact the Lutherlyn Environmental Education Office at leep@lutherlyn.com or 724-865-9079.
LEEP Programs
One-Day and Overnight Field Trips- Bring your students for the day and pack a lunch, or stay 2,3, or 4 nights in our comfortable cabins with full dining facilities.
Maple Sugaring Season- Come learn about the science and history of making maple syrup with hands-on activities. (February and March)
Terra Dei Homestead- Tour a house made of strawbales and learn about alternative energy, sustainable lifestyle, and recycled products.
LEEP Into School- Let us bring our expertise to your classroom (November through March)
Saturday Safaris- These program offerings are designed for individuals and families of all ages and make great weekend activities.
Girl Scout Fun Patches- Bring your Girl Scout Troop to one of our Fun Patch Days or customize your own fun patch event.
Limited Time Offer!
For a limited time the Lutherlyn Environmental Education Program is offering discounts for first-time schools. School groups that are coming to Lutherlyn for the first time can receive up to 50% off the program fee for a LEEP field trip. (This means that a day field trip can cost as little as $5.35 per student! The cost of an overnight trip can be as low as $63.00 per student and a three-day/two-night trip is only $111.50.) Contact the LEEP staff to take advantage of these amazing discounts!
LEEP Director
Congratulations to Todd for being awarded the 2012 Outstanding Environmental Educator Award through the Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators
Todd Garcia-Bish is the Director of Environmental Education at Camp Lutherlyn in Prospect, Pennsylvania. He holds a bachelor’s of science degree in chemistry from Gettysburg College and a master’s of science degree in environmental science from Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana.
Todd was a camper at Lutherlyn for 10 years and also served on Summer staff in 1987, ‘88, ‘90, ‘91, ’92 and ‘93. He began his career at Camp Lutherlyn in 1993 when he was hired as Director of Applied Environmental Science. His tasks in this position included development of a maple sugaring program and a program that would educate students about sustainability. Lutherlyn’s Maple Sugaring Program began in February of 1994 and, over the next two years, Terra Dei Homestead was developed and constructed. Terra Dei (Latin for “God’s Earth”) includes an organic garden and the first straw bale house in Pennsylvania.
In 1996, Todd became Director of Environmental Education at Camp Lutherlyn. He has held that position for 15 years and has taught environmental education for 21 years.
Todd’s current projects include completing Lutherlyn’s straw bale Worship and Music Center and assisting with a summer course offered through Gettysburg Seminary that focuses on care of creation, Appalachia, and hydrofracturing.
Todd is supported by his beautiful wife, Shayne, and their children, Juliana and Micah (who help Todd maintain a sense of wonder). Together they have recently constructed their own straw bale home that they use to educate students, friends, and neighbors about energy conservation and sustainability.
The Nature of Lutherlyn
A Blog Written By Todd Garcia-Bish
Enter the world of nature by following our Environmental Education Director as he writes about the programs and outdoors at Lutherlyn.
