DMV EcoAdventures
DMV EcoAdventures, through hands-on, minds on learning experiences in local parks and places in DC, Maryland and Virginia, works with groups of kids to learn and to explore nature. DMV EcoAdventures believes kids deserve learning experiences centered around their local environment, where they can express their curiosity with peers and a caring adult.
About DMV EcoAdventures' Outdoor Education Classes
Schools out, get outside with us!We offer programs during out-of-school time, including afterschool and professional development days and federal holidays, as well as during school breaks.Additionally, learning pods can request a custom weekly class.All classes are held outside either in a family’s backyard or in a local park/area. Classes are typically between an hour and a half to three hours each week and run for 6-8 week sessions. DMV EcoAdventures typically works with students between Kindergarten and 6th grade.We take Covid-19 seriously and we have protocols that children, families and staff must adhere to, including all students & staff being fully vaccinated against Covid-19 per CDC Guidelines.Email [email protected] to learn about upcoming classes.
About Ellen Oshinsky
DMV EcoAdventures is run and taught by Ellen Oshinsky. Ellen is a seasoned educator, having worked as a NYC Public School Teacher and an environmental educator with Audubon New York. Ellen has a MA in Elementary Inclusive Education from Teachers College, Columbia University and is fluent in Spanish.Ellen can be reached at [email protected]
Testimonials
Here's what clients are saying about DMV EcoAdventures
"The need to get kids outdoors is so crucial for their health & development and we are so grateful to DMV EcoAdventures for creating a safe and fun space for our child to learn outside. Our daughter thrived taking classes with Ellen & DMV EcoAdventures. She had a blast during classes, enhancing her knowledge and love of nature. ”
— Isabelle Von Kohorn & Josh Rising
"Our second grader has thrived with DMV EcoAdventures and we've seen his growing enthusiasm for the natural world manifest in a more grounded little human being. Thank you Ellen for your consistent, kind, and real-world instruction. And who knew there were three distinct species of Brood X cicadas???”
— Lily Clark & Tyler Curtis
*""Our son bounded home with joy and energy in his step thanks to classes with DMV EcoAdventures. The opportunity to learn and to explore in the outdoors with kids from different grades after school was rooted in fun and challenge!" *
— Ariel & Rachel Levinson- Waldman
Curious to learn more?
Touch base with DMV EcoAdventures by dropping a line below, including your zip code, so I can follow up with you directly and to learn more about our services and availability.
© Ellen Oshinsky 2024. All rights reserved.
Thank You
Looking forward to connecting!
Circle and Spoke
Coming September 2024
A 6 Day C&O Canal Bike Retreat for Women looking to shift gears in their life.
Come shift gears in your life through this 6-day coached, community centered bike retreat that balances movement in the saddle and rest and reflection in community to accelerate into the next gear of your life, as we bike along the scenic C&O Canal from Georgetown (Washington, DC) to Cumberland, Maryland. As the leaves change into an autumnal rainbow of hues, we'll take time to ride & reflect, as we speak our truth in a supportive circle of community. This is part bike tour, part retreat, with space for personal growth and reflection in community.Circle & Spoke's C&O Canal Ride is wheels up for community, connection and movement in at a graceful pace.Perhaps riding a bike sounds daunting, especially one that is 184.5 miles long. Perhaps you've never accomplished such a feat and feel such a risk is too scary or impossible to do. Perhaps you have seen people wearing bike jerseys heading out on weekend bike rides and feel intimidated to get on your bike and ride as a woman because you don't feel totally in balance in the saddle or haven't found a kindred pack of women, who don't care about finishing first and care more about mutually supporting each other to spin our wheels together. Perhaps camping and being in the outdoors is something you wish you did more often, but are seeking your tribe to gather with.Circle & Spoke's C&O Canal Ride is changing what it means to do a bike ride, as we center supporting women to feel confident in and out of the saddle to expand our comfort zones.
-When was the last time you did something big and bold?
-Is getting back in the saddle after a misstep or set back such a grueling process and you wish you could just shift gears ?
-Does movement make you feel alive and yet you feel stuck getting in motion?
-Have you seen magic unfold when you are surrounded by a community of supportive women?
-Do you wish you had such a community of badass women, committed to taking a pause & action in your life?
-Have you wanted to feel your strength over a multi-day immersive retreat that makes you feel your inner strength and physical strength?
Imagine being surrounded by welcoming community that gathers over a cup of warm coffee around the fire as we kick off a day to ride through the shifting seasons along the rustically inviting C&O Canal.
The Details
Day 1: Depart from Georgetown
We'll have a first Circle & Spoke moment together, as we walk the labyrinth along the Georgetown Waterfront and set our intentions for our 184.5 mile ride from DC to Cumberland, Maryland.After a approximately 18 mile bike ride, taking in the majestic Great Falls we'll have a festive meal, as we celebrate our courage and hopes from this ride and community.
Day 2: Cadence & Strength
As we awake to chirping birds and a roaring river, we'll begin our 39 mile ride to Brunswick, Maryland. During our ride, we'll stop along many of the canal's historic landmarks.
Day 3: Groovin' with Grace
After a nourishing breakfast, we'll begin our ride, passing by Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. Harper's Ferry lies at the intersection of Shenandoah & Potomac Rivers. A long contested period of land, particularly during the Civil War, we'll use the land and history as a tool to better understand our inner battles and the blocks that's creating in us to fluidly shift gears in life.After a approximately 33 mile bike ride, taking in the majestic Great Falls will camp a forested campground and gather around the campfire .
Day 4: Nurturing our Cheer Squad
Completing a grand journey, requires nurturing a supportive inner dialogue. We'll reflect on elements of our community and our love languages that have creating a healthy community cheer squad. Weaving together our community cheer squad, we'll embody and nurture our inner cheer squad and toast to our 36 mile ride.
Day 5:
Tunnel Vision
Our ride will take us 32 miles today, culminating in travel through the Paw Paw Tunnel. Due to the curve in the tunnel, it is completely dark on the inside. We'll cycle through this tunnel of darkness and learn strategies to accept wherever we are. We'll then apply these strategies through individual and small group conversations to shine a light on the tunnels we're moving through in life and discover new guideposts and sources of support to help us move through these metaphorical tunnels with greater ease and confidence.
Day 6:
Finishing Strong
The finish line is in sight, as we ride our final 28 miles into Cumberland, Maryland. After snapping photos and celebrating our victorious ride, we'll reflect on our journey, using gratitude practices to seal in our learning, growth and strength.