There are numerous benefits for schools that provide overnight outdoor educational experiences, including:
Improved academic performance: Studies have shown that outdoor education programs can improve academic performance, particularly in science, math, and social studies.
Increased physical activity: Outdoor education programs provide students with opportunities to engage in physical activities such as hiking, camping, and other outdoor sports. This can lead to improved physical health and fitness.
Enhanced social skills: Overnight outdoor education experiences often involve team-building activities, which can help students develop social skills, build trust, and develop a sense of community.
Increased self-confidence: By taking part in challenging outdoor activities, students can develop self-confidence and a sense of personal accomplishment.
Greater environmental awareness: Outdoor education programs can help students develop a greater appreciation for the natural environment and a deeper understanding of environmental issues.
Improved problem-solving skills: Outdoor education experiences often involve challenging situations that require students to problem-solve and think critically.
Reduced stress: Spending time in nature has been shown to have a calming effect on the mind and body, which can help reduce stress levels and improve overall well-being.
Enhanced creativity: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can stimulate creativity and innovation.
Overnight outdoor educational experiences (outdoor school) can provide your child with a unique and enriching learning experience that can have lasting benefits for their academic, social, and emotional development.
TedTalk on the healthy benefits of spending time in nature:
The Power of Belonging in Nature | Pooja Tandon | TEDxUofW
Parent FAQ
Got questions? We’ve got answers! If your inquiry is not answered in the questions and answers below, feel free to contact us at support@outdoorschoolswa.org. Our knowledge is broad and general; if you have specific questions, you might consider contacting your child’s teacher or the site where your child’s class will attend outdoor school.
What exactly IS outdoor school?
Outdoor school is a chance for kids to take their science education into the great outdoors. While learning in nature, kids are involved in hands on field work: identifying questions, gathering data, analyzing information, and proposing solutions. Through this work, they develop an affinity with nature, which allows them to become stewards of our planet for a lifetime.
Does every kid in Washington go to outdoor school?
We’ve had outdoor school in Washington since 1929, but not every child in the state had the opportunity to attend. With the passage of Outdoor School for All (SHB 2078) in 2022, outdoor school experiences are an education opportunity for all students. While not yet fully funded, we are working to reduce funding barriers for outdoor school experiences for each and every student in Washington.
Where is it held?
All over the state! Outdoor school can take place at designated outdoor learning centers, summer camps, or county, state, or national parks. Wherever there is nature, overnight facilities, and space for exploration, you can have outdoor school. If you visit our webpage (www.outdoorschoolswa.org) you’ll find a facilities location tool. Check out some of the possibilities!
How do schools decide where to go?
If you are from Washington, you know how much we value local decision making. Schools are free to choose where they go to outdoor school. Some opt to find a facility that is close to home. Others choose to explore an environment that is different than the one students live in, necessitating more travel. The choice it totally up to the school and their desired outcomes from this experience.
Who pays for outdoor school?
Currently, outdoor school is funded by the state and by schools and/or families. Funding formulas are being developed right now. Our goal is 100% funding for 100% of public school kids. We are not quite there yet.
What are the benefits of outdoor school?
The benefits are many! Our neighbor to the south collected data from outdoor school experiences in Oregon. They found the following: academically, kids who go to outdoor school are more engaged in their classroom work. Typically, they actively participate in class and increase their standardized test scores. Socially, kids who have been to outdoor school help create a better classroom climate and feel connected to their peers and teachers. Physically, kids are moving at outdoor school! Instead of screen-based learning or recreation, kids are hiking, exploring ponds, looking for signs or wildlife, and cataloging plant samples. Active is the name of the game at outdoor school!
Why overnight?
This is a great question! There are lots of opportunities for kids to learn about our environment without going somewhere overnight. What we know is this: overnight experiences add benefits to outdoor school. Being away from home for a few nights creates independence and confidence. Spending extended time together creates a strong bond with classmates and teachers. Staying in nature allows for an immersive experience, which is a new experience for many children. Several days away from technology and society is good for minds and bodies! If the overnight aspect of outdoor school is a concern for you, please speak with your child’s teacher.
What if my child requires accommodations?
We are adamant that outdoor school is for ALL children. If your child requires accommodations for learning, contact your child’s teacher early and discuss if accommodations are necessary. For students with physical accommodations, arrange a meeting that includes the school nurse and an outdoor school site staff member to make a plan for mobility, sleeping arrangements, equipment, and anything else needed to make your child’s outdoor school experience a positive one. If your child requires accommodations for behavior, arrange a meeting with the classroom teacher, paraprofessionals who provide support, and your child’s IEP teacher/caseworker.
A story we hear over and over is that kids who typically struggle in the classroom, shine at outdoor school. While making a plan for kids who need accommodations is important, leave room for your child to have an amazing, life-changing experience!
My kid goes to camp in the summer. Isn’t outdoor school the same thing?
Summer camp and outdoor school are similar in many ways, but here’s the difference: summer camp’s purpose is recreation; learning is often the biproduct. Outdoor school’s purpose is learning; recreation is often a biproduct. The reason kids in Washington go to outdoor school is to enhance their education in science, math, ELA, and history. Days at outdoor school “count” in the number of required school days for all students. Outdoor school is school. Camp is camp.
What does a day at outdoor school look like?
Different sites have different routines and traditions, but here’s a generalized daily plan: mornings start with breakfast and time to tidy up living areas. Morning programing keeps kids engaged in inquiry-based learning until lunch. After lunch there is usually some type of rest period. Afternoon programming is all about more learning experiences. Late afternoons allow for supervised free time before dinner. Evening programming can allow for more structured learning and/or an evening campfire, complete with songs and skits. As you can see, days are packed full. It’s no wonder kids say they sleep well at outdoor school!
Where do kids sleep at outdoor school?
All sites are different, but most have either cabins or dorms. Some facilities are winterized (especially important in the colder months!) and others are more rustic. Your child’s teacher should be able to share information about accommodations.
Does outdoor school require any special equipment from families?
Your child’s teacher should send a packing list to you. You can also visit an outdoor school site’s webpage for their recommended packing list. Basics are sleeping bag, pillow, sturdy closed-toed shoes, rain gear, and clothing that can be worn in layers. Don’t send anything new to outdoor school, as time outside can mean dirt and mud! Don’t send valuables. Don’t let a lack of equipment get in your way. See your child’s teacher about borrowing what you need.
Is there a nurse/doctor on site at outdoor school?
Yes. Two possible scenarios are the site has a full-time medical professional or a school nurse attends outdoor school. All outdoor schools need to have a medical practitioner on hand.
How will I know outdoor school was a good experience for my child?
Other parents report it is the non-stop talk about every detail, from songs to finding frogs, to funny skits around the fire. Discussion about wanting to be a park ranger or a stream biologist or a forestry manager when they grow up. Memories of the hike to a waterfall, star gazing, and learning how to measure the flow of a stream. Details about new friends and old friends, about big group games in the meadow, and about how they taught their teacher how to track an animal with footprints and skat. When the memories are abundant and free flowing, you know outdoor school has been a success!
How can I help the cause?
Talk! Tell your lawmakers how important outdoor school was to your child and how fully funding outdoor school experiences should be a permanent part of state funding so ALL kids can benefit from a week in nature. Remind them that outdoor school develops the future workforce and creates citizens who make smart, balanced decisions about our land, skies, and water.
From a Teacher perspective:
For me, as a teacher, reconnecting with nature and helping students grow in ways they never thought possible. For the students, it is growing in ways they never knew they had in them.
For our students, it is a multitude of feelings and firsts. Some thrive, and some struggle, but all the experiences they take away from this experience are life-changing for them.
For many of our students, it is a week of firsts.
First time away from their family
First time camping
First time being out of their city
First time in the forest and close to nature
First time sitting and having a family-style meal
First time stepping out of their comfort zone
First time, depending on themselves and their peers
First time making new friends
First time reconnecting with old friends.
First time with no cell service
First time learning to lead themselves
High Schoolers as near peer mentors for the overnight outdoor educational experience
Utilizing high school students as near peers to elementary students can bring about numerous benefits for both groups involved. Here are some of the advantages:
Role models: High school students can serve as positive role models for elementary students. Seeing older students succeed academically and socially can inspire younger children to set similar goals and work towards achieving them.
Increased engagement: Younger students often find it easier to connect with and engage with high school students rather than adult teachers. The near-peer relationship can create a more relaxed and comfortable environment for learning.
Improved academic performance: High school students can help younger students with their studies, providing personalized attention and support. This individualized assistance can lead to better academic performance and understanding of the material.
Boost in self-confidence: For high school students, acting as mentors to younger children can enhance their self-confidence and leadership skills. They gain a sense of responsibility and accomplishment when they see the positive impact they have on the younger students' lives.
Enhanced social skills: Interacting with elementary students helps high school students develop their communication and interpersonal skills. They learn how to relate to younger individuals, which can be valuable in various aspects of life.
Fostering a sense of community: The integration of high school and elementary students fosters a sense of community within the school. It promotes a supportive and inclusive environment where students from different age groups collaborate and learn from one another.
Building empathy and understanding: High school students can gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and experiences faced by younger students. This increased empathy can lead to a more compassionate and inclusive school culture.
Reinforcement of knowledge: While high school students help younger students, they also reinforce their own learning. Teaching others requires a thorough understanding of the subject matter, which benefits the mentors as well.
Exposure to leadership opportunities: Being near peers provides high school students with valuable leadership opportunities. They can take on responsibilities such as organizing activities, guiding discussions, or leading group projects.
Bridge the generation gap: Interacting with different age groups can bridge the generation gap and promote a sense of unity within the school. It breaks down barriers and stereotypes between different age groups, leading to a more cohesive school community.
It's essential to provide appropriate training and support to high school students acting as near peers to ensure they can fulfill their roles effectively and responsibly. Overall, the near-peer relationship can create a positive and enriching learning environment for all students involved.
From a high school student’s perspective:
Learning to let go: what being an Outdoor School mentor taught me
This story was written by Youth Voices Contributor Lucy Brewster, a junior at Grant High School. Brewster writes for and designs her high school’s magazine, Grant Magazine, and founded her school’s literary arts journal, General Gallery. She hopes to pursue art and writing after high school.
