lodges Come spend a night at Shaw Nature Reserve’s environmental learning campus, the Dana Brown Overnight Center (DBOC)! DBOC programs provide schools with unique opportunities to extend classroom learning while fostering awe, wonder, and curiosity for the natural world.

The DBOC campus consists of six historic log buildings dating back to the 1800s. Originally located within 100 miles of the Nature Reserve, in 2003 these historic structures were carefully dismantled, transported, and reconstructed to create the DBOC campus. With modern updates, the buildings were transformed into comfortable and unique learning and living spaces for visiting groups.

The DBOC campus is able to accommodate students grades 4–12 for overnight experiences. (DBOC classes are also available on a day-use basis for grades 4–12.)

Class Information:

  • All DBOC classes are hands-on, inquiry-based, and focus on students’ direct engagement with nature.
  • Classes are grade-level appropriate and support current Missouri Learning Standards.
  • Depending on grade level, group size, weather, and other factors, specific activities may vary for each class offering.
  • The DBOC requires a 10:1 student: chaperone ratio for all classes.

Pricing Information:

  • Class fees are $5/student with a $50 minimum.
  • Lodging fees for overnight groups are $20/student for a 1-night stay with a $200 minimum. For longer stays, please contact your DBOC school programs coordinator for pricing information.
  • Overnight and class fees are waived for one lead teacher as well as for one adult chaperone per 10 students. Additional adults are charged the same overnight rate as students.
  • Scholarships are available for schools with demonstrated financial need. Scholarships cover the cost of bus transportation, overnight lodging, and program fees.

Registration Information:

  • Groups may schedule their visit up to one year in advance. Availability is limited and programs are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. To register and/or for more information, contact Jessie Dockins, the DBOC school programs coordinator, at (314) 577-9539 or jdockins@mobot.org.
  • Overnight trips may be scheduled Tuesday–Wednesday or Thursday–Friday.
 

DBOC Overnight Sample Schedule

Day 1

9–10 a.m.   Arrive; DBOC-led orientation, cabin tour, and fire drill; unpack
10 a.m.–noon   Morning Class*
noon–1 p.m.   Lunch
1–3 p.m.   Afternoon Class*
3–5 p.m.   Free time or teacher time
5–6 p.m.   Dinner
6–7 p.m.   Free time or teacher time
7–9 p.m.   Self-guided and/or teacher-led activities
9–10 p.m.   Get ready for bed
10 p.m.   Lights out


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 2

7–8 a.m.   Wake up and shower; pack luggage; clean cabins/shower house
8–9 a.m.   Breakfast
9–11 a.m.   Morning Class*
11 a.m.–noon   Free time or teacher time
noon–1 p.m.   Lunch; clean meeting building
1–2 p.m.   Reflection Activity*
2 p.m.   Depart


 

 

 

 

 

*Your DBOC school programs coordinator will work with you to schedule classes during available time.

 

Class Time Availability

* Overnight groups registered for three or more classes are eligible for a free 1-hour DBOC-led reflection activity on the afternoon of Day 2. Contact your DBOC school program coordinator for more information.

 

DAY CLASSES AT DANA BROWN OVERNIGHT CENTER

The following classes can be added to the day portion of your overnight stay.

Classes are for grades 4–12.

Ecology Classes

 

Art and History Classes

 

Navigation Classes

 

 

 

Special Opportunity


The Sticky Science of Maple Syrup
Grades 3–8; January and early February
Celebrate the coming of spring! Learn about maple syrup by exploring the 2 processes that make it all possible: photosynthesis and the water cycle. Students will investigate the annual cycle of sap movement and the importance of sap to trees. Winter Tree ID is included in this class. Students will help with sap collection and observe the evaporation process. Capacity: 40 students; Length of program: 120 minutes; Fee: $3 per student

To schedule a maple syrup program, call (314) 577-9523 or email kbryan@mobot.org.

Maple syrup being tapped