Outdoor Education Programs
Central Oregon and its amazing array of beautiful rivers, bountiful snowpack, diverse vegetation, and fascinating geology gives teachers and students unlimited opportunities for using the natural world as an outdoor classroom.
Together our network of partners offer over 30 different outdoor education programs that connect students to nature, engage students in science practices, and deliver content knowledge about local natural resources issues.
Comprehensive Program Lists
A list of all Outdoor Education programs in Central Oregon for K-5th grade, organized by grade level, including alignment to Next Generation Science Standards.
A list of all Outdoor Education programs in Central Oregon for 6th-12th grade, including alignment to Next Generation Science Standards.
NGSS and Outdoor Education: Grade Level Guides
A two-page guide for incorporating outdoor learning into NGSS including essential questions to guide units of study, schoolyard and classroom activity ideas, links to lessons and resources, interdisciplinary connections, and a list of Outdoor Education Programs in Central Oregon that best align with NGSS for that grade level.
Environmental Education Program Providers
Middle Deschutes Watershed Council
Upper Deschutes Watershed Council
NatureHoods Education Program
The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon offers the NatureHoods Education program for K-2 classes in Central Oregon. The free program is offered as four 1-hour lessons in the schoolyard or nearby park. The lessons align with Next Generation Science Standards and reinforce science learning done in the classroom. Title I schools are given priority for the NatureHoods Education Program.
To Learn more about NatureHoods and how to schedule a program at your school click here.
Virtual Learning
The Children’s Forest partners have developed a wide array of virtual learning resources to support outdoor learning in the 2020-2021 school year and beyond. Learn about Virtual Explorations and other resources.
Curriculum and Other Resources
Ready to facilitate outdoor learning with your students? Find both local and national curriculum resources covering a wide range of topics here.
Inclusiveness
The Children’s Forest of Central Oregon believes that accessible opportunities with nature must be provided for children and youth of all abilities, backgrounds, and ages. The Children’s Forest welcomes students and participants of any race, color, national and ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military or marital status, age, sensory, physical or mental disability to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students and participants of our programs.