AWSP Blog

On May 15, schools across the state are invited to participate in Water Safety Day — a special event dedicated to helping K-5 students learn life-saving water safety knowledge. The event includes a free, standards-based, 30-minute lesson plan complete with student engagement activities

A single outdoor learning trip to the Mount Rainier Institute transformed not only Kyrsten Bowden’s confidence and independence as a student with a rare mobility disorder, but also her peers’ understanding of inclusion. Supported by thoughtful planning, adaptive tools, and visible representation, Kyrsten pushed past her limits and redefined what’s possible in outdoor education. This experience shows the profound impact of centering equity and access, proving that every student belongs in nature.

As a parent or teacher, filling time with activities can be daunting. We could even say we overdo it, which I understand. I have two boys, and I want them to get a taste of life in every aspect, from programs to sports and different cultures.

There’s nothing like more than a year of pandemic learning to make us examine past practices and consider better and healthier ways! One change your school might consider is making a purposeful effort to take learning outside. In the report “Back to School: Back Outside” (Kevin J. Coyle, National Wildlife Federation, 2010), research shows how a “green hour” built into classroom routines has a positive impact on students’ focus, attitude toward work, behavior, connections with others, and even standardized test scores.

Ready for some good news? There’s state money to help send your fifth- and sixth-graders to Outdoor School next year. We are working with a team of learning centers and camps to get money allocated in this year’s state budget.  To help us plan and budget, we need to find out who is planning to host an outdoor school for their students. You can help with this process now by completing this Outdoor Schools survey. This information will helps us to plan for the 2021-22 school year as well as give us information to seek further funding for the 2022-23 school year and beyond.