Advancing Education Through Outdoor Learning: The Inclusive Vision of Outdoor School for All in Washington
In Washington State, a groundbreaking initiative is taking root, aiming to transform education by connecting students with the wonders of the natural world and increasing access to outdoor spaces in places like NatureBridge in Olympic National Park. Spearheaded by the Washington Outdoor Schools Coalition (WOSC), the Outdoor Education for All Act (HB 2078) is reshaping the educational landscape in the state. Talia Schmitt, WOSC Coalition Manager, supports Outdoor Schools through this groundbreaking program.
The Outdoor School for All initiative, backed by $15.9 million per year in funding, exemplifies a commitment to the students and environment of Washington state. Receiving an overwhelming 96% of the vote in the state legislature, this program enjoys substantial support from both elected representatives and their communities. Currently, over 50% of fifth and sixth graders in Washington attend outdoor school, demonstrating the program's success in reaching and engaging a significant portion of the state's student population.
The real intent behind Outdoor School for All in Washington was to try to make outdoor schools like NatureBridge more accessible for all students in Washington, particularly students who historically have not had a chance to experience it in the past.Talia Schmitt, Washington Outdoor Schools Coalition (WOSC), Coalition Manager
The benefits of this outdoor education initiative are far-reaching. Research shows that students participating in outdoor school programs experience enhanced social and emotional learning, which fosters a deeper connection not only to nature but also to their school community. They exhibit a deeper desire to learn, displaying heightened curiosity and engagement in their educational journey. Additionally, outdoor educational programs nurture independence and aid students in developing strong connections with both their peers and themselves.
Outdoor Schools for All has become a national effort with bills passing first in Oregon, then Washington and now momentum is building in Maine, Maryland and Minnesota. Outdoor School for All in Washington is designed to provide universal access to immersive outdoor learning experiences, particularly for students who receive free and reduced lunch or who have historically been marginalized from comprehensive science education.
As Talia emphasizes, organizations like NatureBridge play a crucial role in advocating for inquiry-based learning while emphasizing the importance of taking students outside for hands-on, experiential education. It is through the efforts of NatureBridge and Outdoor School for All that every student in Washington will hopefully have the opportunity to engage in outdoor school experiences.
NatureBridge is incredibly valuable to the success of Outdoor School for All and outdoor schools in Washington state because it shows through example how to have inquiry-based learning and take students outside.Talia Schmitt, WOSC, Coalition Manager
Constituent support and encouraging elected representatives to endorse and sustain funding for Outdoor School for All is vital to supporting this initiative’s goals and successes. NatureBridge is a proud supporter of WOSC and Outdoor School for All. Learn more about Outdoor School for All.
Stories
Staff Spotlight: Dylan Meek
“I don’t know if I’d have such a keen interest in what I do now” without experiencing NatureBridge programs as a middle schooler, says current NatureBridge staff member Dylan Meek. As a seventh grader, Dylan and her classmates from Southern California attended an environmental science program at Yosemite Institute (known today as NatureBridge Yosemite). That trip represented Dylan’s first visit to a national park and her first exposure to the field of outdoor education. Now on staff as the Lab Steward at NatureBridge Golden Gate, Dylan ensures that the environmental science educators have everything they need “to get the most out of the lab spaces” on campus.
2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz
At NatureBridge, we celebrate the stewards of today and foster the development of the stewards of tomorrow, working to inspire environmental stewardship in all our participants. Our goal is to motivate our students to make waves and be changemakers in their communities and for our planet.
Each year, NatureBridge honors a student who has demonstrated leadership, growth and a commitment to protecting our natural world as a result of their participation in a NatureBridge program. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at An Evening Outside with NatureBridge on Thursday, May 16 at our Golden Gate campus.
We are thrilled to announce our 2024 Student of the Year: Kai Diaz.
An Interview with Evening Outside Keynote Speaker Dr. Britt Wray
The minute we found out about the work of Dr. Britt Wray, we knew we wanted to learn more about her. A well-respected author and scientist, Dr. Wray possesses expertise in an area of research we talk about a lot at NatureBridge—specifically how we can be resilient, hopeful, and actionable amid a changing world, including the climate crisis. We’re thrilled that Dr. Wray will be joining us on May 16 for An Evening Outside with NatureBridge as our Featured Speaker. Ahead of the event, we had the chance to ask her a few questions relating to her work and her connection to the mission of NatureBridge.