Olympic

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.

When Walter Sive and Cheryl Ellsworth decided to include NatureBridge in their estate plans, they knew their choice represented much more than a charitable gift. It was a declaration of support for and an investment in an organization they believe will continue changing lives for generations to come. They opted to join The 1971 Society, NatureBridge’s legacy giving program, demonstrating their confidence in an organization whose mission—and people—have earned their trust.

On May 7, over 350 friends, supporters, and alumni joined us at Fort Mason in San Francisco, CA for An Evening with NatureBridge. This annual gathering was a celebration of the transformative power of nature, the strength of our community, and our shared commitment to inspiring the next generation of environmental stewards.

Over the past year, NatureBridge has been thrilled to welcome a group of dynamic new leaders to our National Board of Directors and Regional Boards. These all-volunteer roles are vital to the mission and governance of our organization, and they are filled by people who are inspired by outdoor education. Board members offer invaluable guidance and support across our campuses, helping us expand access to transformative environmental science experiences for young people across the country.

This year’s Evening on the Lake was nothing short of extraordinary. Against the elegant backdrop of the Four Seasons Hotel along Seattle’s waterfront, more than 250 guests joined us to celebrate the power of experiential outdoor education in Olympic National Park and to champion NatureBridge’s mission of connecting young people to the natural world.

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 an environmental science program at our Olympic National Park campus. This year’s honoree will be recognized and will speak at the Evening on the Lake, which will be held on Friday, November 7 in Seattle. We are thrilled to announce our 2025 Olympic Student of the Year: ninth grader Jackson Blocker.