Outdoor School For All!

Join the Children’s Forest is supporting Outdoor School Legislation – HB 2648

Outdoor education has been an Oregon tradition for over 50 years—yet today less than half of all Oregon students have the opportunity to participate in outdoor education programs.

We know that Outdoor School helps kids learn better; develop leadership, critical thinking and social skills; and exposes them to the role of scientific inquiry and applied learning. It’s a proven success and the most economical and effective way to deliver these results.

The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon is supporting the efforts of the Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition to secure and expand outdoor education in the state so that every Oregon student has the knowledge and perspectives to make responsible choices about our natural resources.

Goal of HB 2648:

To create opportunities for every Oregon 5th or 6th grade student to experience the world through hands-on field study and natural science-focused activities at an Outdoor School program, to better understand the place they live, and to discover their opportunities and responsibilities as citizens.

What is Outdoor School?

Oregon’s outdoor school programs are a proud Oregon tradition dating back to the late 1950s and have been experienced by over 1 million Oregonians. But today only around half of Oregon students get to participate in the program. Outdoor school at its most effective is a weeklong, residential field science program for 5th or 6th graders that:

  • Gives students an opportunity to study natural sciences hands-on and collaboratively resulting in improved scores on standardized tests, especially in STEM fields.
  • Is accessible to kids of all abilities and learning styles.
  • Builds self-sufficiency and leadership skills.

 

Learn more about this effort at outdoorschoolforall.org. Join the Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition and many Central Oregon partners for a discussion and organizing meeting about the impact and opportunities for Outdoor Education.

Monday, April 13th, 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM

Obsidian Middle School, The Library

1335 SW Obsidian Ave, Redmond, OR

The opportunity is before us to Expand Outdoor Education. Find out how!

We will cover the following topics:

  • Local outdoor education opportunities.
  • Stories about how outdoor school changes lives: impacts physical and mental health, higher testing scores, reduces behavioral issues, greater civic leadership skills.
  • Outdoor School Legislation is moving quickly. Hear a status report & how you can help pass the Outdoor School Bill?in Oregon.
  • Strengthening the network of advocates for outdoor education in Oregon.

 

RSVP: [email protected] or call 503.888.1233

Childcare available. Light snacks and drinks provided, but we have room if you want to bring a dish to share with others. For more information email [email protected] or visit www.outdoorschoolforall.org