Outdoor School

Every year our sixth grade class attends Outdoor School in coordination with the Multnomah ESD. Our students spend a full week outdoors learning about the environment, team building, and other important life skills. Established in 1966, Multnomah ESD Outdoor School in Oregon is one of the longest running and most successful environmental education programs in the nation. For the sixth grade student, Outdoor School is the highlight of the year, literally providing a change of scenery while promoting learning across a number of topics. Objectives of the Outdoor School include:

• Teach field-based science concepts as they relate to natural resources.This instruction is hands-on and meaningful for real life.
• Provide instruction that promotes critical thinking and collaboration.
• Implement a variety of planned activities that provide opportunities for participation in cooperative living experiences, performing arts, recreation, and structured events.
• Promote self-esteem, leadership, and confidence and treat every person with dignity and respect.
• Practice gender/ethnic equality and honor and promote diversity and multicultural awareness.
• Teach interpersonal skills and provide opportunities for the application of these skills across a variety of settings.