For more than 60 years, Outdoor School has provided Oregon students with a unique opportunity to learn about science and the natural world through direct experience. What began in 1957 in Southern Oregon quickly expanded, with pilot programs across the state taking root by the mid-1960s. With federal support and community enthusiasm, Outdoor School became a regular part of the school year for many districts — from the coast to the high desert.
Outdoor School is often a student’s first immersive outdoor learning experience. For some, it’s their first time hiking in a forest, exploring a sandy beach or singing around a campfire. It can create lasting friendships and spark a lifelong interest in science, nature and stewardship. Despite its success, not all students have historically had equal access to this transformative experience.
In 2017, the Oregon State University Extension Service became the statewide administrator of Outdoor School. As entrusted by voters and directed by state law, Extension provides fiscal, administrative and programmatic oversight in collaboration with an advisory committee. The program currently serves fifth and sixth grade students across Oregon.
The OSU Extension Outdoor School program is guided by values of equity, diversity, access and inclusion. These principles inform curriculum development, funding, outreach and training. Rather than relying on a single model or curriculum, the program supports locally tailored approaches that reflect Oregon’s many ecosystems and community needs.
To ensure access for all students, Extension provides resources and grant opportunities. In response to the pandemic in 2020, the program awarded 13 grants for site accessibility and facilities upgrades, and 11 grants to providers expanding inclusive programming — investing more than $5.1 million in total.
The program also offers tools like the Instructional Resource Self-Evaluation Tool to help educators assess and improve their curriculum. To elevate Indigenous perspectives, Outdoor School Director Spirit Brooks partnered with Leilani Sabzalian, associate professor at the University of Oregon, to create a self-paced professional development course. Critical Orientations: Indigenous Studies and Outdoor Education helps educators examine how their curricula represent Indigenous knowledge and supports them in creating more culturally responsive programs.
Outdoor School continues to be a powerful, inquiry-based science education program that connects students with the outdoors, their peers and their communities. Students learn about soil, water, plants, animals, habitats and natural systems — as well as topics tied to their local environment and economy. The experience builds scientific understanding, confidence and a sense of place.
Students often describe Outdoor School as life-changing. They report feeling more connected to nature, making lasting friendships and developing a sense of belonging. Some say they discover a passion for the outdoors or even “find their calling.”
As participation continues to grow, OSU Extension and its partners remain focused on equity and inclusion — ensuring that every Oregon student has the opportunity to experience the wonder, challenge and joy of learning in nature.