Important "Stay Home, Save Lives" Information
As you are likely aware, COVID-19 (commonly referred to as the CORONA virus) is a growing concern in Oregon and across the globe. On Thursday (March 12, 2020), Governor Kate Brown announced several statewide responses, which included the closure of K-12 schools through the end of March. Additionally, many universities including Oregon State University (OSU) have recommended strategies to help contain and mitigate the spread of the disease including moving classes to online platforms and canceling large gatherings. While these actions are designed to protect our most vulnerable populations, we fully recognize the burden these decisions have on districts, families, and outdoor school providers across Oregon, including the financial challenges that program cancellation can cause.
The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program's response to the pending COVID-19 threat is detailed in the letter linked via the button below. Please read it carefully and check out our frequently asked questions (FAQs) page. If you still have questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu. We anticipate that the volume of questions will be high, but we hope you'll be patient, as we try to respond to you all within a reasonable amount of time.
How do you get funding for outdoor school?
Feel free to review the information linked below, but know that applications for funding must come from your district, so please communicate with your district representatives if you are interested in applying for Measure 99 funds.
2019-2020 Application and Reporting Process
The 2019-2020 Application process is open! For first consideration, your application must be received by May 15, 2019, but applications will be accepted until our funds are depleted. This page will give you the details necessary to apply.
Tools, Curriculum, and Professional Development (Oh my!)
You've got your funding, now what do you do? Take a look at the information and materials provided below and don't hesitate to contact us should you need something that you don't see!
Useful Information for Parents
What Parents Should Know
The "What Parents Should Know" flyer can be used to introduce parents, students, or the general public to what the outdoor school experience can be. It's been translated into seven languages, so feel free to download and print copies, or contact us should you need pre-printed copies for distribution at an upcoming parent night.
Outdoor School Flyers
The "Outdoor School" flyer explains the concept and benefits of outdoor school and can be used to give background to parents, students, or the general public. It's been translated into seven languages and braille. Feel free to download and print copies, or contact us should you need pre-printed copies for distribution at an upcoming parent night.
Ticket2Ride
Since 2016, this program has been supporting under-served students across the state by funding field trip transportation to State Parks. For many youth, these outdoor experiences aren’t accessible – due simply to the high cost of transportation. That's why this program is so important.
Every Kid in a Park
Every Kid in a Park passes are available for 4th Grade Students. These passes are honored nationwide at all Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, and US Fish & Wildlife Service sites. They admit the pass holder and any accompanying passengers in a private non-commercial vehicle, and at per-person fee areas, they admit the pass holder and up to 3 people who are 16 and older (for a maximum of four people). Anyone 15 and younger is free of charge.
Get Out There Together
The Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service Outdoor School program, in Partnership with Oregon State Parks, is working with the Oregon State Parks Department to design our second year of the Get Out There Together program. When the program is launched, students who participated in outdoor school using Measure 99 funds will be able to apply for Oregon State Parks passes for use with their family.
Columbia Pro Purchase Program
The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program Office is pleased to announce the Outdoor School Columbia Pro Purchase Program!
Columbia Sportswear has a strong history of supporting outdoor school in Oregon. And as District Leaders, Educators, and Outdoor School Providers begin to consider outdoor school equipment and apparel for their students, teachers, and staff, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program Office would like to announce an exciting opportunity for districts and providers to purchase high-quality “tough tested” products at a discounted price. Most products are available at wholesale costs!
Please contact us to find out how outdoor school providers and districts can join Columbia’s Pro Discount Program. We hope districts and providers use this program to develop an inventory of high-quality equipment designed for heavy use that will hold up over time in Oregon’s harsh conditions, while ensuring every student has what they need to participate in outdoor school in both safe and comfortable conditions.