Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area School Programs

Based on 2nd through 12th grade Science Standards, AR Social Studies Curriculum Framework for Geography and History, & HSPCA Interpretive Themes

Hobbs State Park places a large emphasis on the interpretive programs that park interpreters and volunteers provide to schools and other organized groups.

  • While your experience here should be enjoyable, we strive to offer your group a valuable educational experience, not just a fun day away from school. Most of our programs are designed to address the standards and framework mentioned above. Some schools have seen an improvement in standardized test scores, and they believe part of that improvement is due to these programs.

  • We expect that not only the students be fully engaged in the activities at each of the stations, but that the teachers also be fully engaged and help to maintain discipline when necessary. We require a student to adult chaperone ratio of 12:1. There should always be at least one chaperone at each station at all times, so a minimum of 2 adults per class. Teachers and other approved chaperones should be easily identified by a school badge or name tag. Extra parents that attend should also have a name tag issued by the school for safety purposes. These may be as simple as a sticky badge with their name written on it.
  • All programs incorporate interpretive principles and techniques so the programs are relevant (answers the question, “So what?”), are relatable, are hands-on, occur outdoors whenever possible, offer actions individuals can take to make a difference, and that convey a hopeful message for the future. Games with an educational purpose are sometimes utilized.
  • To maintain the quality of programming, we limit the group size to 4 classes or approximately 100 students at a time. Programs are approximately 3.25 hours long with 4 45-minute stations. Our programs follow a set outline and if you arrive late, we may have to cut the first rotation. Programs do NOT include time to look at exhibits or shop for gifts. You would need to allow additional time at the end of the program to do these activities on your own. Most programs have indoor versions in case of inclement weather. We do not schedule rain dates.
  • We try to be flexible with topics and can substitute any of the following topics with a conservation message for any grade level: a thematic nature hike or scavenger hunt on the Ozark Plateau Trail, mammals of Hobbs using pelts and skulls, birds of Hobbs, or amphibians & reptiles of Hobbs using live “ambassadors”.
  • The Arkansas Humanities Council has a program to cover the cost of transportation to Arkansas State Parks. After you have confirmed the date with us, you can reach out to them on their website to apply, arkansashumanitiescouncil.org/programs/teachers/grants-for-teachers/, or contact Jamie Middleton, the Program Officer for Grants, at jmiddleton@arkansashumanitiescouncil.org.
  • Programs also tie into our park themes and interpretive mission: To reveal the meaning of the relationships between the public and the park’s natural and historic resources.

    HSPCA Themes

    1. Ozark Forest: With care, the balance of nature in this forest can provide opportunities for inspiration and wonder.
    2. Water: Through time, water has shaped land and life here.
    3. Van Winkle: In Van Winkle’s time and today, our environment enables prosperity and is affected by our decisions.
    4. Karst: Caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams and other karst features are fragile, and our actions may have unseen consequences.
    5. Recreation: Hobbs State Park’s diverse recreational opportunities encourage a spirit of adventure and joy of discovery.
    6. The HSPCA story: Our state park story is one of changing technology to meet people’s needs, from survival to entrepreneurship to stewardship.
    7. Diversity: With awareness, the diversity of life here inspires wonder and discovery.
    1. Ozark Forest: With care, the balance of nature in this forest can provide opportunities for inspiration and wonder.
    2. Water: Through time, water has shaped land and life here.
    3. Van Winkle: In Van Winkle’s time and today, our environment enables prosperity and is affected by our decisions.
    4. Karst: Caves, sinkholes, disappearing streams and other karst features are fragile, and our actions may have unseen consequences.
    5. Recreation: Hobbs State Park’s diverse recreational opportunities encourage a spirit of adventure and joy of discovery.
    6. The HSPCA story: Our state park story is one of changing technology to meet people’s needs, from survival to entrepreneurship to stewardship.
    7. Diversity: With awareness, the diversity of life here inspires wonder and discovery.

    Make Plans

    Download the forms below for more information to book your classes’ next enriching field trip. Please email the completed program form to chris.pistole@arkansas.gov.