Outdoor School for All

A week outside changes young lives. A week of immersive, outdoor learning grows young naturalists—and good citizens. In the forest and on the beach, nature’s wonder casts fresh light on science, math and art. Back in the classroom, test scores go up and behavior problems diminish.

That’s the power of Outdoor School.

Oregon’s rich history of Outdoor School dates back to the 1950s. Now Oregon has made history again by being the first in the nation to prioritize state funds to give every child an outdoor school experience.

In 2015, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 439, legislation that created a statewide policy framework for Outdoor School and, named Oregon State University Extension Services as the home for statewide program. Then, in November 2016, voters resoundingly approved Measure 99, which dedicates $22 million/year of lottery funds to make Outdoor School accessible to all fifth- or sixth-graders, regardless of their background or zip code. As a primary backer of the ballot measure, the Gray Family Foundation gathered support with its partners in the Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition, aligned since 2014 to bring this effort to fruition.

Statewide Outdoor School showcases best practices outlined in the Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan , Oregon’s nation-leading roadmap toward statewide alignment around environmental literacy.

Previously, only about half of Oregon students attended Outdoor School—but that is changing. The Gray Family Foundation is committed to supporting Oregon’s deep network of educators, schools and camps as new programs emerge across the state. The future is bright for coming generations of Oregon students who, rooted in this common outdoor experience, will be better prepared to become lifelong stewards of our beautiful state.

Find out more and apply for Outdoor School funding with OSU Extension

Download a free guide for launching an Outdoor School program

Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan

For decades Oregon has led the nation in outdoor education, but we had yet to achieve true, statewide alignment around environmental literacy.

Now we have a game-changing tool: the Oregon Environmental Literacy Program, administered by Oregon State University Extension Service, which also distributes Measure 99 funding to schools and districts. The Plan—one of several in the nation—is a roadmap to ensure that every Oregon child has the opportunity to explore and learn in nature while cultivating a lifelong sense of environmental stewardship.

Background

In 2009 the Oregon Legislature passed the No Oregon Child Left Inside Act, which directed the governor to appoint a task force of 11 state agencies and organizations to craft the Oregon Environmental Literacy Plan: Toward a Sustainable Future.

As the Plan took shape in 2010, the Gray Family Fund staff and trustees were at the table, providing essential support to see it to completion. When the Plan needed a home, the Fund, within The Oregon Community Foundation (OCF), became its chief steward for several years. Then in summer 2014, the Plan took its place at Oregon State University Extension as the Oregon Environmental Literacy Program (OELP).

The Vision

By 2030, the vision of OELP is a statewide school system in which nature is utilized to inspire learning at every grade level and in every subject, from writing to math to art. A key part of this experience is a week spent in nature at Outdoor School. Guided by OELP’s roadmap, Oregon’s students have the opportunity to develop a sense of curiosity about the natural world and develop the critical thinking skills to help them tackle real-world challenges with resourceful, nimble minds.

We’re working to get there, one school at a time.

A resource directory at oelp.oregonstate.edu connects all of Oregon’s assets in environmental education, from schools to museums to state parks. Here educators can find tools to get students outside while meeting curriculum requirements, and program providers can align their offerings with Oregon STEM and other standards.

As momentum builds, the Gray Family Foundation is proud to continue to support and shape the Oregon Environmental Literacy Program alongside many partners.