Everything You Need to Know About NatureBridge Outdoor Education Programs
What is Outdoor Education?
What is outdoor education and why is it important? These questions may arise when you’re planning your first program for your school. Outdoor education programs at NatureBridge are multi-day transformative and educational experiences where students learn science through hands-on investigations in nature instead of a traditional classroom setting. Many studies show that outdoor learning enhances students’ critical thinking skills, academic performance, personal and social development, and helps them build deeper connections with themselves and with the natural world. Outdoor education is essential for empowering students while building their confidence, resilience, and growth.
How do Outdoor Education Programs Benefit Students? #
Students frequently show improved performance in science, math, and reading after attending outdoor education programs like NatureBridge. Real-world experiences help students retain information while hands-on lessons and experimentation in the field spark curiosity and keep students engaged and disconnected from screens. Exploration and discovery within natural environments are also a key component of outdoor learning experiences and can even inspire careers in natural sciences and other STEM fields. Spending time in nature is proven to lower stress and anxiety and boosts overall mental health for students. Exploring nature also teaches students to respect and protect the environment, empowering future generations to become the next environmental stewards.
How do Outdoor Education Programs Benefit Teachers? #
NatureBridge’s outdoor education programs are tailored to each school group’s desired outcomes, and they help teachers reach educational goals that may be harder to accomplish in a standard textbook and testing structure. During a NatureBridge program, our educators lead the instruction, allowing teachers to explore alongside their students rather than managing every activity for themselves. NatureBridge also provides continuing education hours for teachers who attend a program. Please note that receiving continuing education hours may vary depending on your local and state requirements and availability.
How Does Outdoor Education Support Classroom Learning? #
Outdoor learning programs like NatureBridge’s reinforce classroom teachings and curriculum by giving students opportunities to apply scientific concepts that are studied in traditional classrooms in the field and in real-world environments. NatureBridge programs also support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), environmental and climate literacy, practicing data collection, social and emotional learning, team building, critical thinking and problem solving. By giving students the ability to apply these concepts in the real world, not only does it make stronger connections to curriculum but it also exposes students to new ways of thinking about and interacting with the world around them.
What is Unique About NatureBridge Programs? #
NatureBridge’s programs are offered in our greatest classrooms: national parks! Our four campuses are located in Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and Prince William Forest Park where students and teachers have the opportunity to explore iconic landmarks while learning about life-sciences, ecology, geology, watersheds, cultural history, and conservation through unforgettable outdoor adventures and transformative experiences.
How Do You Plan a NatureBridge Program? #
We know that planning an overnight program can seem daunting, but we’re here to help every step of the way! You can begin the planning process by getting in touch with our Outreach and Enrollment teams by filling out the respective contact information form depending on whether you’re interested in our Yosemite National Park, Olympic National Park, Golden Gate National Recreation Area, or Prince William Forest Park locations. Once you have a general idea on your school’s group size, grade level, and desired program dates, our Outreach and Enrollment team will provide the estimated pricing for your school group. Pricing varies depending on the location, duration, and season. We also offer need-based scholarships for groups and students who qualify. We know that funding a multi-day program can feel overwhelming, but you can visit our fundraising ideas page for strategies that will make outdoor education more accessible for all students.
Stories
Everything You Need to Know About NatureBridge Outdoor Education Programs
What is outdoor education and why is it important? These questions may arise when you’re planning your first multi-day program for your school. Here is everything you need to know about NatureBridge programs, how they benefit students and teachers while enforcing classroom learning, and how to plan a program.
Connecting People to Places That Matter: NatureBridge Alum Jenny Stock’s Path of Discovery
Former NatureBridge educator Jenny Stock has built a career helping people connect to places they might never otherwise experience—from coastal trails to the deep sea. Today, she works in Point Reyes, CA as an Education Specialist for NOAA’s Greater Farallones and Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuaries, where she develops curriculum, leads communications, and creates interpretive programs and exhibits that highlight why these unique places matter. But her passion for this work began long ago, when she was a field educator at some other special spots along the California coastline.
2026 Armstrong Scholars Resupply
The 2026 Armstrong Scholars are thriving! They were absolutely radiant when we saw them at resupply weekend, singing, dancing, laughing, sharing stories, and feasting on freshies! It was a joy to hear of their adventures thus far and learn what they are taking from their first week together in the Yosemite Wilderness. Several shared appreciation for being able to be their true selves, to feel truly seen and heard, and to learn so much from one another.