Carroll County ends Hashawha overnight school program

June 12, 2026 - 06:54

The Carroll County Board of Education has voted to end the long-running overnight outdoor school program at the Hashawha Environmental Center. The decision, announced during a recent board meeting, brings a close to a tradition that has served local students for decades.

Officials cited declining enrollment and rising operational costs as the primary reasons for the closure. The program, which allowed elementary and middle school students to spend several days learning about nature and ecology in a residential setting, has struggled to maintain participation numbers in recent years. Board members noted that the facility requires significant maintenance and staffing investments that are no longer sustainable under current budget constraints.

The Hashawha Environmental Center, located near Westminster, has been a staple of Carroll County public schools since the 1970s. Students typically attended the program for a week, engaging in hands-on activities like stream studies, hiking, and team-building exercises. Many parents and alumni expressed disappointment over the decision, arguing that the experience provided unique educational benefits that cannot be replicated in a classroom.

School system administrators have stated that they will work to incorporate outdoor education into the regular curriculum through day trips and other local partnerships. The Hashawha facility itself will remain open for community events and private rentals, but the residential school program will not continue beyond the current academic year. The board has not announced a specific end date for the final sessions.