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Association of Washington School Principals
Washington Principal | Volume 2– 2022-23
Outdoor Schools
You’re Going to Outdoor School! Now What?
A quick primer on what to know before you go
Shelley Barker
Director, School Engagement, Outdoor Schools WA
Evaluation Criteria: Creating a Culture, Improving Instruction, Managing Resources
You put in a funding reservation, you received an email from Outdoor Schools WA with your funding allocation amount, and it’s time to celebrate! Your students are going to outdoor school!
As soon as the confetti settles, you are faced with reality: outdoor school requires a lot of careful organizing. If you head to this page on our site, you’ll find a list of considerations for planning. To be fair, the list is long because planning for outdoor school has a lot of moving parts. Site reservations, transportation arrangements, permission forms, program planning, parent communication, packing lists…the process can seem overwhelming!
Our first piece of advice is to form a team and delegate. While it will most likely make sense to have you (or another individual) serve as a point-person, there is no reason why one person needs to take on all the tasks for organizing outdoor school. Make strong plans, set deadlines, and communicate frequently.While in the midst of planning, keep this perspective in mind: In our connections with people, through work and in our personal lives, an astounding number of adults share how their outdoor school experiences made huge impacts on their lives.
While in the midst of planning, keep this perspective in mind: In our connections with people, through work and in our personal lives, an astounding number of adults share how their outdoor school experiences made huge impacts on their lives. Some met life-long friends at outdoor school. Some made future career decisions based on their experiences in nature. Others tell us that outdoor school came at a difficult time in their lives and those adventures with their teachers and classmates allowed them to just be a kid when they needed it most.
Currently, you are planning an immediate experience for your students but realize the work you put in today endures way beyond students’ years in school. Undeniably, outdoor school is a life-changing experience for kids, and YOU are making it happen!
You have a partner in planning for outdoor school! Outdoor Schools WA is here to help in every possible way. We are happy to answer questions, give advice, help with curriculum, assist with planning, meet with you and your staff in person, take you on site visits, and so much more. We are always happy to be of assistance and are only a phone call or email away!◼