Impact of Outdoor School Continues

Outdoor School is truly an unforgettable experience, offering students an incredible opportunity to connect with nature, learn hands-on, and build lifelong memories. Whether it's their first hike, discovering new species of plants and animals, or bonding with peers from different schools, Outdoor School is a rite of passage for many Oregon students, fostering a deep appreciation for the natural world. The program provides not just an academic learning experience, but also a personal one, where students learn independence, resilience, and the value of teamwork.

At GIS we're thrilled to include Outdoor School as a key part of our Middle School program, continuing a tradition that has been part of Oregon's educational landscape since the 1950s. During their time at Outdoor School, students step outside the classroom and into the real world, where they engage in activities like fishing for critters in streams, identifying mushrooms, and conducting mini field-research projects. The experience also encourages them to advocate for themselves, as they spend several days away from home, taking on new responsibilities and learning to navigate challenges on their own.

The impact of Outdoor School doesn't end when they return home. Students are inspired to continue their exploration of the environment, and at GIS, we expand on this foundation by offering further opportunities for field research. In 6th grade students dive deeper into scientific investigation, choosing an environmental issue to research, collecting data, and presenting their findings at events like the LENS Expo and the Oregon State Northwest Science Fair.

It's a powerful way for students to not only learn about the world around them, but also to see how their work can make a difference in the community and beyond. Outdoor School helps instill a lasting love for the outdoors, critical thinking, and an appreciation for scientific inquiry, skills that will serve them well in all areas of their lives.