This week marks the first week of the Spring Outdoor School season. We are so excited to be working with MESD Outdoor School (ODS) again. For the week, ODS takes the classroom outdoors. Sixth-grade students from Multnohma area school spend the week learning
What is outdoor school?
The MESD Outdoor School Program provides innovative and collaborative leadership which enables our Districts’ students to learn science and interpersonal skills in order to meet the diverse needs of a changing world. (ODS Mission Statement)
Outdoor school is the opportunity for sixth graders from Multnomah County area schools to spend the week learning from nature. During the day, students learn from a nature-based curriculum, and at night they bond with their cabinmates.
During a week of ODS, students participate in four field studies: Water, Soil, Plants, and Animals. They study the unique characteristics of these areas of the environment through hands-on experiences, guided explorations, place-based games, and engaging demonstrations. ODS brings the learning to life in ways that are difficult to do in the classroom. Outdoor school also focuses on building community and belonging through shared meals, group activities, and nightly campfires. At every ODS session there are students from multiple Multnohma county area schools, bringing together students who may otherwise never have the chance to meet.
Value of outdoor education
ODS provides hands-on opportunities for students to engage with the natural world. These experiences stimulate creativity and discovery. They encourage students to ask questions and wonder about the world around them. Outdoor education builds a lasting connection to the outdoors. When children have access to outdoor learning and exploration, they are more likely to value nature and believe that protecting our environment is important.
Westwind’s mission inspires people to be stewards of the environment and their communities by conserving Westwind’s diverse ecosystems in perpetuity. When we break down barriers to outdoor experience, by welcoming students from across a diverse range of schools, we believe that we are inspiring the next generation of stewards.