Social Emotional Learning

Learning outside in nature has been shown to have endless benefits. At NatureBridge, nature is our classroom. To give you the best tips on teaching outdoors, we compiled the insight and knowledge of our seasoned outdoor educators.

For decades, doctors and researchers have studied the impact of spending time in nature. Woven into the fabric of NatureBridge programs, the positive outcomes of nature can improve health, increase productivity and attention, boost mental and emotional well-being, foster stewardship and cultivate joy among both kids and adults.

Middle school teacher Mary Patterson still has her field journal from the 1978 trip she took to NatureBridge (formerly Yosemite Institute) with her Cupertino classmates for a week-long environmental science program. Today, Mary ensures that all eighth grade students from Longfellow Middle School in Berkeley, California have the same transformative opportunity.

This year’s recipient of the Outstanding Affiliate Organization Award is the California Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education (AEOE), an affiliate at which two NatureBridge members play a critical and influential role—Estrella Risinger and Reed Schneider.

The tattooed, skateboarding principal of Fred M. Lynn Middle School, perhaps best known for his countercultural approach, is a champion for the students he serves and believes strongly in the transformative power of outdoor educational experiences.

Longtime partner REI donated 250 sustainable “Outdoors for Everyone Poncho” to our Olympic campus, helping all kids feel like they belong by ensuring that they stay dry and comfortable during programs in the often inclement Pacific Northwest weather.

This spring, WildLink hosted 39 participants, spent nine nights in the Wilderness, removed and cleaned up countless fire rings, met three NPS Wilderness Rangers and worked with six NatureBridge educators.

Preparedness is the most important part of backpacking. Check out our ultimate packing list—once you have your clothing, gear and supplies, you’ll be ready to hit the backcountry.

Learn more about NatureBridge educator Lawrence.