We invite you to join us for the following events and workshops. For past events, a recording will be linked in the event listing where one is available. We invite you to contact us if you would like to request a workshop or event that you don't see listed here.
Please read the event details for information about whether stipends and/or substitute reimbursements are available for a particular event. More information about these funds is available on our Stipends and Substitute Reimbursements page.
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2024 Events and Workshops
Upcoming 2024 Events and Workshops
November 14th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, November 14th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description:
In this panel discussion and curriculum exploration, participants will hear from neurodivergent educators and inclusion professionals, as we explore what neurodivergence is and the variety of ways that it can show up in both classroom and outdoor learning. Our panel will provide recommendations about creating a more inclusive learning environment at outdoor school and other settings. We’ll examine how to apply tailored communication, options, and flexibility to increase relevancy for both neurodivergent and neurotypical students. Participants receive the Project WILD K-12 guide and the opportunity to analyze it with an accessibility lens and apply principles of Universal Design to make lessons more flexible and accessible to the greatest number of students.
Date: November 15th, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: in-person in Roseburg, Oregon.
Audience: Geared toward 3rd - 8th grade educators, formal and nonformal, especially educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings.
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Register on the ONREP website.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Brought to you by: OSU Extension Outdoor School (ODS), Klamath Outdoor Science School (KOSS), EV Consulting, and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
December 12th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, December 12th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
2025 Events and Workshops
Upcoming 2025 Events and Workshops
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
February 12th (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Winter State of Outdoor School (virtual)
This semi-annual state of outdoor school event is intended for educators and administrative staff from school districts and outdoor school programs to connect, network, and discuss topics that are important to the community. OSU Regional Coordinators and Friends of Outdoor School staff will be present to share timely information and answer questions, and we will highlight the work of an Outdoor School program Statewide Coordinator. We will include Regional based break out rooms in order for participants to connect on issues specific to their needs.
When: Wednesday, February 12th 3:30-4:30
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, Eastern Regional Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Sarah Cuddy if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
Week of April 28th - Spring Regional Meetings (virtual)
Each afternoon this week, OSU Regional Coordinators and Friends of Outdoor School will host virtual regional meetings. We’ll share important program information, and invite a regional guest speaker to spotlight a creative program or promising practice. Teachers, district administration, and outdoor school providers are invited to attend and connect with other folks in your regional network.
When: Week of April 28th
- Southern: Monday, April 28th
- Eastern: Tuesday, April 29th
- Western: Wednesday, April 30th
- Northern: Thursday, May 1st
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, Eastern Regional Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Sarah Cuddy if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Past 2024 Events and Workshops
Description:
How can educators support Black students' experiences with nature? While we may assume that nature feels safe and enriching to all students this may not always be true. Understanding the context surrounding different communities' relationships with nature helps us to create programming that moves from a deficit-based framework towards a joy-based framework.
Come to this workshop series to learn about the historical context of the Black Oregonian experience in the outdoors - including uncomfortable truths about lived experiences, current realities, and what environmental educators can do to support fostering joy in nature connection.
This workshop series is broken down into three sessions. Each session builds upon the previous one, please plan on attending all three:
- Part 1 - Historical Context
- Part 2 - Current realities of Black Oregonians engaging in the outdoors
- Part 3 - Application to environmental education
This workshop is brought to you by: Oregon Black Pioneers, OSU Extension Service Outdoor School (ODS), and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
Date: Part 1: Wednesday, January 10th, 3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. PT. This workshop is a series, please plan to attend all 3 sessions. Sessions will not be recorded.
Time: 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Location: online (Zoom)
Audience: K-12th grade educators, formal and nonformal
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Educators must attend all three sessions to be eligible for a stipend. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
January 11th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, January 11th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description:
How can educators support Black students' experiences with nature? While we may assume that nature feels safe and enriching to all students this may not always be true. Understanding the context surrounding different communities' relationships with nature helps us to create programming that moves from a deficit-based framework towards a joy-based framework.
Come to this workshop series to learn about the historical context of the Black Oregonian experience in the outdoors - including uncomfortable truths about lived experiences, current realities, and what environmental educators can do to support fostering joy in nature connection.
This workshop series is broken down into three sessions. Each session builds upon the previous one, please plan on attending all three:
- Part 1 - Historical Context
- Part 2 - Current realities of Black Oregonians engaging in the outdoors
- Part 3 - Application to environmental education
This workshop is brought to you by: Oregon Black Pioneers, OSU Extension Service Outdoor School (ODS), and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
Date: Part 2: Wednesday, January 17th, 3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. PT. This workshop is a series, please plan to attend all 3 sessions. Sessions will not be recorded.
Time: 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Location: online (Zoom)
Audience: K-12th grade educators, formal and nonformal
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Educators must attend all three sessions to be eligible for a stipend. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Description:
This workshop will introduce educators to the basics of nocturnal outdoor education, including astronomy, facilitating sensory activities like night hikes, and how to teach about nocturnal animals such as owls and bats. Through a lens of trauma-informed education, we will explore why people of all ages might feel uncomfortable in the dark and discuss how to plan and facilitate supportive nighttime activities at outdoor school. We will cover safety and logistics for group management at night, including how to incorporate light sources and risk mitigation practices.
This workshop will be held on a Saturday, outdoors in twilight and under dark skies. Dinner will be provided.
Date: January 20th, 2024
Time: 4:00 to 8:30 p.m.
Location: in-person in Silverton, Oregon.
Audience: Geared toward formal and nonformal educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: This workshop has reached capacity, but we may have room for additional educators if there are cancellations. Join the waiting list on the ONREP website.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
(Note: This session was originally scheduled for Tuesday, January 16th, and was postponed for a week due to a weather-related closure at OSU.)
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
January 24th (Wednesday, 2 p.m.) - Evaluation Office Hours (virtual)
(Note: This session was originally scheduled for Wednesday, January 17th, and was postponed for a week due to a weather-related closure at OSU.)
Monthly drop-in "Evaluation Office Hours" are a virtual space to chat with someone knowledgeable about evaluation to ask questions, discuss your program’s evaluative activities (such as teacher/student surveys or staff observation practices), and work through ideas about how to move forward. Dr. Steven Braun, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program’s evaluation collaborator (and co-facilitator of the professional development series), will be there to answer questions, offer resources, and collaborate on solutions. A member of the OSU team will be there as well but will be ready to step away if a participant prefers to discuss aspects of their program evaluation without anyone from OSU present. The Evaluation Office Hours are drop-in style, so you are welcome to show up at any point during the time slot. There will not be a presentation or meeting agenda from the facilitators.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
Description:
How can educators support Black students' experiences with nature? While we may assume that nature feels safe and enriching to all students this may not always be true. Understanding the context surrounding different communities' relationships with nature helps us to create programming that moves from a deficit-based framework towards a joy-based framework.
Come to this workshop series to learn about the historical context of the Black Oregonian experience in the outdoors - including uncomfortable truths about lived experiences, current realities, and what environmental educators can do to support fostering joy in nature connection.
This workshop series is broken down into three sessions. Each session builds upon the previous one, please plan on attending all three:
- Part 1 - Historical Context
- Part 2 - Current realities of Black Oregonians engaging in the outdoors
- Part 3 - Application to environmental education
This workshop is brought to you by: Oregon Black Pioneers, OSU Extension Service Outdoor School (ODS), and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
Date: Part 3: Wednesday, January 24th, 3:45 p.m.-5:45 p.m. PT. This workshop is a series, please plan to attend all 3 sessions. Sessions will not be recorded.
Time: 3:45 to 5:45 p.m.
Location: online (Zoom)
Audience: K-12th grade educators, formal and nonformal
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Educators must attend all three sessions to be eligible for a stipend. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
January 25th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, January 25th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
January 30th (Tuesday; Salem, OR) - Integrating Outdoor School into the Classroom (in-person)
Description: Join teachers and outdoor educators as we explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers. To get the most out of their outdoor school experience, students need the prerequisite knowledge and skills to learn the concepts taught at outdoor school and to be comfortable in the outdoor learning environment. Participants in this session will explore barriers to student participation and learning, develop strategies (for both classroom teachers and outdoor school providers) to address some of these barriers, and choose activities that help students make the connections between concepts taught in the classroom and the field. We welcome both classroom teachers and outdoor school educators to join us to explore ways to maximize the benefits of outdoor school for our students. Note: This workshop is happening as a pre-conference session for the 2024 Oregon Outdoor School Gathering. Educators can register separately for this session if they are not attending the rest of the Gathering.
Date: Tuesday, January 30, 2024
Time: 1:30-4:30 pm
Location: in person at the Oregon 4-H Center, 5390 4-H Road NW, Salem, OR 97304
Registration: If you are not planning to attend the 2024 Outdoor School Gathering but would like to attend this workshop, please register HERE. If you are planning to attend other sessions at the 2024 Oregon Outdoor School Gathering, please register for the workshop as part of your Gathering registration. (In other words, you do not need to fill out the Google form if you are registering for the Gathering.)
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school, and outdoor school provider staff who are interested in supporting connections between what happens at outdoor school and what happens in the classroom before/after outdoor school.
Cost: FREE. Substitute reimbursements and Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available. A $60 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Kristi Backe (Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-5587) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
January 30th to February 1st (Salem, OR) - Outdoor School Gathering (in-person)
Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Service Outdoor School program, Friends of Outdoor School, and Gray Family Foundation ask you to save these dates for the 2024 Oregon Outdoor School Gathering at the Oregon 4-H Center near Salem, Oregon!
- Tuesday, January 30, 2024: Optional pre-conference workshops/events
- Wednesday, January 31 and Thursday, February 1: Gathering
For more information, please visit the 2024 Outdoor School Gathering webpage.
February 8th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, February 8th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
February 9th (Friday; Cannon Beach, OR) - Integrating Outdoor School into the Classroom (in-person)
Description: This workshop will explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers.
Date: Friday, February 9, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: Cannon Beach Community Hall, 207 N Spruce, Cannon Beach, OR 97110
Registration: Register HERE. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school. We encourage educators to attend with colleagues from their school to strengthen connections among teaching teams.
Cost: FREE. Lunch is included. Substitute reimbursements and Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available. A $100 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Benno Lyon (Benno.Lyon@oregonstate.edu or 503-764-8052) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
February 21st (Wednesday, 2 p.m.) - Evaluation Office Hours (virtual)
Monthly drop-in "Evaluation Office Hours" are a virtual space to chat with someone knowledgeable about evaluation to ask questions, discuss your program’s evaluative activities (such as teacher/student surveys or staff observation practices), and work through ideas about how to move forward. Dr. Steven Braun, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program’s evaluation collaborator (and co-facilitator of the professional development series), will be there to answer questions, offer resources, and collaborate on solutions. A member of the OSU team will be there as well but will be ready to step away if a participant prefers to discuss aspects of their program evaluation without anyone from OSU present. The Evaluation Office Hours are drop-in style, so you are welcome to show up at any point during the time slot. There will not be a presentation or meeting agenda from the facilitators.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
February 22nd (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, February 22nd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
March 4th (Monday; Bandon, OR) - Integrating Outdoor School into the Classroom (in-person)
Description: This workshop will explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers.
Date: Monday, March 4, 2024
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm
Location: The Barn, Conference and Community Center, 1200 11th St SW, Bandon, OR 97411
Registration: Registration has closed for this event.
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school. We encourage educators to attend with colleagues from their school to strengthen connections among teaching teams.
Cost: FREE. Lunch is included. Substitute reimbursements and Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available. A $100 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Libby VanWyhe (Libby.VanWyhe@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-8491) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
March 4th (Monday, 3:30 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, March 4th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqd-qrqDksHdKBngHTtgI26v5R3YCepGsx
March 5th (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, March 5th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJIlduGprDssHtSrmJGBInRpszC4K9VJrQpP
March 7th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, March 7th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
March 7th (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, March 7th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJUqfu2ppj8vHdxifAEpgcEC62JJJgww9WvO
Description:
Arthropods (insects, spiders, crustaceans, etc.) are all around us, and each of us (and each of our students!) has personal experience with and connections to these segmented invertebrates. Join us in this workshop to explore ways to integrate arthropods into your teaching across multiple subject areas, and delve deeper into all the ways humans and arthropods are connected. Together, we will discuss ways to engage with these animals with curiosity and awareness at outdoor school and in the classroom before/after outdoor school. Lunch will be provided.
Date: March 14th, 2024
Time: 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: in-person in Boring, Oregon.
Audience: Geared toward formal and nonformal educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration:Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close Friday, March 1st, at noon.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
March 20th (Wednesday, 2 p.m.) - Evaluation Office Hours (virtual)
Monthly drop-in "Evaluation Office Hours" are a virtual space to chat with someone knowledgeable about evaluation to ask questions, discuss your program’s evaluative activities (such as teacher/student surveys or staff observation practices), and work through ideas about how to move forward. Dr. Steven Braun, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program’s evaluation collaborator (and co-facilitator of the professional development series), will be there to answer questions, offer resources, and collaborate on solutions. A member of the OSU team will be there as well but will be ready to step away if a participant prefers to discuss aspects of their program evaluation without anyone from OSU present. The Evaluation Office Hours are drop-in style, so you are welcome to show up at any point during the time slot. There will not be a presentation or meeting agenda from the facilitators.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
March 21st (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, March 21st, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
April 4th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, April 4th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
April 17th (Wednesday, 2 p.m.) - Evaluation Office Hours (virtual)
Monthly drop-in "Evaluation Office Hours" are a virtual space to chat with someone knowledgeable about evaluation to ask questions, discuss your program’s evaluative activities (such as teacher/student surveys or staff observation practices), and work through ideas about how to move forward. Dr. Steven Braun, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program’s evaluation collaborator (and co-facilitator of the professional development series), will be there to answer questions, offer resources, and collaborate on solutions. A member of the OSU team will be there as well but will be ready to step away if a participant prefers to discuss aspects of their program evaluation without anyone from OSU present. The Evaluation Office Hours are drop-in style, so you are welcome to show up at any point during the time slot. There will not be a presentation or meeting agenda from the facilitators.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
April 18th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, April 18th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 2nd (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, May 2nd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 16th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, May 16th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 20th (Monday, 3:30 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, May 20th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Register for the Zoom link.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 21st (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, May 21st. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Register for the Zoom link.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Sarah Cuddy (Sarah.Cuddy@oregonstate.edu or 541-815-4520) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
May 22nd (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, May 22nd. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Register for the Zoom link.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Libby VanWyhe (Libby.VanWyhe@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-8491) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
May 23rd (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, May 23rd. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Register for the Zoom link.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Benno Lyon (Benno.Lyon@oregonstate.edu or 503-764-8052) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Description: Join us at the Jacksonville Woodlands to experience and explore nature journaling, a flexible, engaging, and adaptable teaching tool that helps students develop both scientific (NGSS) and social-emotional competencies.
Along the trail, we will stop to practice close observation, inquiry, and connection-building using a series of nature journaling prompts. No previous art experience is required! This tool is about scientific observation, not art skills.
We will also practice giving feedback on journal entries to promote a growth mindset, model outdoor facilitation strategies, and discuss how to incorporate nature journaling in any learning context. Nature journaling can be the multitool in your outdoor education tool kit.
Dress for a 1.5-mile walk along a trail that includes about 200’ of elevation gain. We will make frequent stops.
If you have accessibility concerns that you would like to make sure we address in our route selection, please include those in your registration form. More details about the site and trails will be provided closer to the date of the workshop.
More details about the site and trails will be provided closer to the date of the workshop.
Bring a notebook and a pencil, water, bag lunch, and a camping chair (if you have one). The site has a Porta Potty at the trailhead, and limited potable water (one drinking fountain).
Date: Friday, May 24, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: in-person in Jacksonville, Oregon.
Audience: All grades welcome! Most suited for formal and nonformal educators who work with grades 3-8, including educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings.
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration:Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Brought to you by Southern Oregon Land Conservancy, OSU Extension Outdoor School (ODS), and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
May 30th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, May 30th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
June 13th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, June 13th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This session is part of the Outdoor School Summer ‘Lunch and Learn’ Series. This summer, we’re focusing on Hispanic/Latino perspectives on outdoor education. At each roundtable session, a speaker will share their experience in the outdoor education field, including recent research, evaluation, or learning projects, and engage participants in a discussion on the topic.
Session Description:
Latinos are now the largest minority group in Oregon, accounting for nearly 14% of the state's population. Today, "Outdoor School for All" provides the opportunity for Latina/o/e/x students to attend Outdoor School. As a Latina mom, education scholar, conservation practitioner, and nature enthusiast, I want to share early learnings from my still-in-progress research. It is about understanding how and if Latina family outdoor engagement and Outdoor School as coordinated learning experiences could develop Latina/o/e/x students' interests and capacities to deepen their interest in learning about science & nature.
Speaker: Diana M. Crespo-Camacho is a doctoral candidate in the Language, Equity, and Educational Policy program in the College of Education at Oregon State University. Diana's dissertation research focuses on exploring how multilingual family engagement in science learning during informal nature field trips could improve students' science learning and increase their interest in nature and in science. Diana holds a BS in Biochemistry Engineering in Aquatic Resources Management from ITESM, Mexico, and an MS in Recreation Resources from the Human Dimensions of Natural Resources program at Colorado State University.
When: Friday, June 21st, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Where: Register via Zoom. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you can use to join any of the Summer Lunch and Learn events. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the events to your calendar.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Charissa Jones (Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-1333) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Description:
Join us at the beautiful Oregon Garden in Silverton to delve into Project Learning Tree (PLT) and to experience and explore Nature Journaling, a flexible, engaging, and adaptable teaching tool that helps students develop both scientific (NGSS) and social-emotional competencies. We will practice close observation, inquiry, and connection-building using Nature Journaling activities. We will also practice giving feedback on journal entries to promote a growth mindset and model outdoor facilitation strategies. We will utilize How to Teach Nature Journaling, by John Muir Laws and Emily Lygren, participants will receive Project Learning Tree’s Explore Your Environment guide, and we’ll dive into and discuss how to incorporate nature journaling with PLT lessons.
Dress for time spent indoors and outdoors, including a smooth path with some inclines. Bring a notebook and a pencil, water, and bag lunch.
Date: Friday, June 28, 2024
Time: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Location: in-person at the Oregon Gardens in Silverton, Oregon.
Audience: Early learner - 6th grade educators, formal and nonformal, including educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings.
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $90 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Brought to you by OSU Extension Outdoor School (ODS) and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
July 11th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, July 11th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
July 17th (Wednesday; La Grande, OR) - Integrating Outdoor School Into the Classroom (in-person)
This workshop will explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers. This workshop is in collaboration with the Malheur ESD Summer Institute.
NOTE: subsidized credit through Eastern Oregon University. Participants who attend the entire in-person workshop can receive 1 credit through EOU for a cost of $60. Once you’ve registered for the workshop, instructions will be sent on how to enroll for credit.
Stipend: A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
When: Wednesday, July 17th, 9:00 - 3:00 pm
Where: in-person at Eastern Oregon University. La Grande, OR 97850
Building: Zable 107
Facilitator Team: Sarah Cuddy and Kristi Backe - OSU Extension Outdoor School Program
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school.
Registration: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/904094CAEA72EABFC1-49258346-integrating#/
This session is part of the Outdoor School Summer ‘Lunch and Learn’ Series. This summer, we’re focusing on Hispanic/Latino perspectives on the outdoors and/or outdoor education. At each roundtable session, a speaker will share their experience in the outdoor education field, including recent research, evaluation, or learning projects, and engage participants in a discussion on the topic.
Session Description
How do cultural beliefs influence our relationship with the outdoors, and our outdoor recreation habits? Cultural identity consists of values, beliefs, attitudes and many other factors that influence the way we interact with and pursue certain outdoor recreation experiences. Latin@/x identifying people living in the Willamette Valley are influenced by their cultural beliefs, particularly their beliefs about what nature represents and what it provides. This can also reflect additional beliefs centered on environmental stewardship.
Speaker: Isabel Justiniano, Willamette Resources and Educational Network (WREN). Isabel has lived in Oregon since late 2018. She graduated from Oregon State University with her M.S. in Human Dimensions of Wildlife Science. She has been an environmental educator since 2017, working with K-12, adults, and families while also leading environmental education programs, community outreach efforts and volunteer projects. Many of these programs and events have been specifically for Latin@/x families, not only to provide these opportunities, but for families to feel comfortable and included in outdoor spaces! She currently works as the Education Director for WREN (Willamette Resources & Educational Network).
When: Tuesday, July 23rd, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Where: Register via Zoom. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you can use to join any of the Summer Lunch and Learn events. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the events to your calendar.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Charissa Jones (Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-1333) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
August 8th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, August 8th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This session is part of the Outdoor School Summer ‘Lunch and Learn’ Series. This summer, we’re focusing on Hispanic/Latino perspectives on the outdoors and/or outdoor education. At each roundtable session, a speaker will share their experience in the outdoor education field, including recent research, evaluation, or learning projects, and engage participants in a discussion on the topic.
Session Description
Beatrice Bolton Martinez shares her first-hand experience on how the Latinx community engages with the outdoors in both an educational and recreational sense. Being part of the community and spending part of her childhood in Mexico, she shares how the outdoors is viewed from a cultural standpoint. Professionally, she's always been a voice for the Latinx community as she worked for multiple federal agencies and non-profit organizations as usually the only bilingual staff championing Latinx outreach efforts, bilingual outdoor education, and JEDI-related initiatives. She shares insight, tips, and answers to some common questions that have surfaced in the past few years.
Speaker: Beatrice Bolton Martinez, Straub Outdoors Board of Directors. Beatrice Bolton Martinez serves as Vice-President for the Straub Outdoors Board of Directors, serves as JEDI Committee Chair, and works for the City of McMinnville. This Oregon State Alumni held positions within the Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and U.S. Forest Services before continuing her career in Youth Services for many nonprofit organizations, including Big Brothers Big Sisters and Virginia García Memorial Health Center. Her experience as the link between these organizations and the Latino/a/x/e Community has always been at the forefront of any position held.
When: Tuesday, July 23rd, 12:00 - 1:00 pm
Where: Register via Zoom. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you can use to join any of the Summer Lunch and Learn events. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the events to your calendar.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Charissa Jones (Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-1333) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
August 22nd (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, August 22nd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 5th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, September 5th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 12th (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - End-of-Summer State of Outdoor School (virtual)
This semi-annual state of outdoor school event is intended for educators and administrative staff from school districts and outdoor school programs to connect, network, and discuss topics that are important to the community. OSU Regional Coordinators and Friends of Outdoor School staff will be present to share timely information and answer questions, and we will highlight the work of an Outdoor School program Statewide Coordinator. We will include Regional based break out rooms in order for participants to connect on issues specific to their needs.
When: Thursday, September 12th 3:30-4:30
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, Eastern Regional Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Sarah Cuddy if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 19th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, September 19th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 3rd (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, October 3rd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 17th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, October 17th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description:
Prepare yourself for accessible and engaging outdoor learning! Join us at a local park in Grants Pass, to experience and explore nature journaling, a flexible, engaging, and adaptable teaching tool that helps students develop both scientific and social-emotional competencies. The scientific competencies follow the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) and the social-emotional competencies follow the new Oregon Transformative Social and Emotional Learning (TSEL) framework. We will practice close observation, inquiry, and connection-building using a series of nature journaling prompts. We will also practice giving feedback on journal entries to promote a growth mindset, model outdoor facilitation strategies, and discuss how to incorporate nature journaling in any learning context.
This workshop will take place in a wheelchair accessible area in a public park with level grade paved paths, an ADA bathroom. Movement for all activities will be limited. There will be a covered pavilion with picnic tables. The facilitators will have wagons to carry materials, sack lunches and water bottles.
Date: October 29th, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Location: in-person in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Audience: Geared toward formal and nonformal 3-8th grade educators and educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings, but all grade levels are welcome.
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Pre-registration is required. Register on the ONREP website.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
Brought to you by: Medford Bureau of Land Management, Southern Oregon Land Conservancy (SOLC), OSU Extension Outdoor School (ODS), and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
October 31st (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, October 31st, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
2023 Events and Workshops
December 20th (Wednesday, 2 p.m.) - Evaluation Office Hours (virtual)
Monthly drop-in "Evaluation Office Hours" are a virtual space to chat with someone knowledgeable about evaluation to ask questions, discuss your program’s evaluative activities (such as teacher/student surveys or staff observation practices), and work through ideas about how to move forward. Dr. Steven Braun, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program’s evaluation collaborator (and co-facilitator of the professional development series), will be there to answer questions, offer resources, and collaborate on solutions. A member of the OSU team will be there as well but will be ready to step away if a participant prefers to discuss aspects of their program evaluation without anyone from OSU present. The Evaluation Office Hours are drop-in style, so you are welcome to show up at any point during the time slot. There will not be a presentation or meeting agenda from the facilitators.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
December 14th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, December 14th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
December 7th (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, December 7th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Benno Lyon (Benno.Lyon@oregonstate.edu or 503-764-8052) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
December 6th (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, December 6th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Libby VanWyhe (Libby.VanWyhe@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-8491) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
December 5th (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, December 5th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Sarah Cuddy (Sarah.Cuddy@oregonstate.edu or 541-815-4520) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
December 4th (Monday, 3:30 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, December 4th. 3:30-4:30 pm.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Elliot Drake-Maurer (Elliot.DrakeMaurer@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-4567) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
November 30th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, November 30th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
In this workshop series, we explore evaluation for learning. Evaluation for learning is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score. Engaging deeply with evaluation can improve your organizational culture, evolve your programs toward equity, and strengthen your relationships with the communities you serve.
Visit the Evaluation for Learning Series webpage for details and to register.
November 16th (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, November 16th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
November 13 (Monday; Eugene, OR) - Integrating Outdoor School into the Classroom (in-person)
Description: This workshop will explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers.
Date: November 13th, 2023
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: Lane ESD, 1200 Highway 99N, Eugene, OR
Registration: Register HERE. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school. We encourage educators to attend with colleagues from their school to strengthen connections among teaching teams.
Cost: FREE. Hearty snacks are included. Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available. A $60 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Elliot Drake-Maurer (Elliot.DrakeMaurer@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-4567) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
November 2nd (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, November 2nd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description:
Join us to learn about the history, culture, and natural resources of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR). Educators will be introduced to SB13 lessons created by CTUIR and will explore how to integrate them in classroom and outdoor learning settings, such as outdoor school.
This workshop includes a guided tour of the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute.
Date: October 28th, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: in-person at Wildhorse Resort & Casino, Pendleton, OR
Audience: All grades welcome! Most suited for formal and nonformal educators who work with grades 3-8, including educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings.
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
October 23rd (Monday; Bend, OR) - Integrating Outdoor School into the Classroom (in-person)
Description: This workshop will explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers.
Date: October 23rd, 2023
Time: 4:00 - 7:00 pm
Location: in person in Downtown Deschutes Public Library, Brooks Room, 601 NW Wall St, Bend, OR 97703.
Registration: Registration is closed.
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school. We encourage educators to attend with colleagues from their school to strengthen connections among teaching teams.
Cost: FREE. Dinner is included. Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available. A $60 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact Sarah Cuddy (Sarah.Cuddy@oregonstate.edu or 541-815-4520) to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
October 19th (Thursday, 2:00 pm) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, Oct 19th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 5th (Thursday, 2:00 pm) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, Oct 5th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 26th (Tuesday; Grants Pass, OR) - ODS/ONREP: Nature Journaling (in-person)
Description: Join this workshop to collect new tools to engage with outdoor learning! Join us at the Bureau of Land Management's Cathedral Hills Trail System to experience and explore nature journaling, a flexible, engaging, and adaptable teaching tool that helps students develop both scientific (NGSS) and social-emotional competencies. Along the trails we will stop to practice close observation, inquiry, and connection-building using a series of nature journaling prompts. No previous art experience is required! We will also practice giving feedback on journal entries to promote a growth mindset, model outdoor facilitation strategies, and demonstrate how to incorporate nature journaling in any learning context. We'll discuss how Nature Journaling can enrich an outdoor learning experience and serve as a bridge to prepare for and debrief outdoor school or other field experiences. Whether you're preparing your students to get the most out of an outdoor school experience, or hoping to develop inquiry in your very own schoolyard, nature journaling can be the multitool in your outdoor education tool kit.
Date: September 26th, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: in-person in Grants Pass, Oregon.
Audience: All grades welcome! Most suited for formal and nonformal educators who work with grades 3-8, including educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings.
Cost: Offered at no cost to Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute Reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available from OSU Extension Service Outdoor School to support the attendance of eligible outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration:Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
September 21st (Thursday, 2:00 pm) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, September 21st, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 14th (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, September 14th. 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
September 13th (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, September 13th. 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
September 12th (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, September 12th. 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
September 11th (Monday, 3:30 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These quarterly drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program and Friends of Outdoor School, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, September 11th. 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
September 8th-10th (Friday - Sunday) - Outdoor School Student Facing Staff Gathering
Description: Join us for a weekend of learning and connecting! This gathering will have an emphasis on connecting student-facing/seasonal staff around the state and building community with lots of professional development geared toward student-facing/seasonal staff.
Date: September 8th - 10th, 2023
Time: Friday, September 8th at 4pm through Sunday, September 10th at 12pm (meals provided)
Location: in-person at Oregon 4-H Center, Salem, OR
Audience: seasonal and student-facing staff
Registration: Register here. Deadline to submit a breakout session proposal is Friday August 11th. Deadline to register is August 22nd.
August 24 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, August 24th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
OSU Extension Service and the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Present a second session of the Supporting Gender Expansive Students: Guidance for Outdoor School and Youth Serving Extension Service Programs online training on Aug 14, 2023 from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (PST).
This session will provide attendees with a better understanding of Oregon Department of Education guidance on how to support gender-expansive students and comply with Civil Rights laws, and is a repeat of the session held on June 13. This opportunity is open to anyone who could not attend the training in June, as well as anyone wanting to revisit the information or bring new questions to ODE.
This training will help those who work in youth-serving programs understand the best methods of supporting the health and well-being of gender-expansive youth (and all youth by example). In addition, it will provide a basic understanding of how this support makes your organization compliant with the Civil Rights laws protecting youth.
This training provides examples of:
- the questions and challenges around supporting, and
- the supports your program will need to support transgender and gender-expansive students
Use the link below to register and to let us know if you are interested in volunteering as a facilitator for the breakout sessions scheduled during this event.
When: Monday, August 14, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The registration form includes a space to enter questions for the facilitators. Additional questions may be sent to Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu.
Please note: Breakout group facilitators needed! If you participated in the training in June (as an attendee or group facilitator), please consider signing up for this role when you register. Facilitator guidance will be available in advance of the event.
Accommodations: Accommodation requests should be made via email to inclusive.outreach@oregonstate.edu or Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu, or by calling (541) 737-1333.
August 10 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, August 10th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
July 27 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, July 27th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
July 13 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, July 13th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
June 29 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, June 29th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
June 15 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, June 15th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: The OSU Extension Service and Oregon Department of Education are collaborating to offer a training session that will provide attendees with a better understanding of Oregon Department of Education guidance on how to support gender expansive students and comply with Civil Rights law.
This training will help those who work in youth-serving programs understand the best methods of supporting the health and well-being of gender expansive youth (and all youth by example). In addition, it will provide a basic understanding of how this support makes your organization compliant with the Civil Rights laws protecting youth.
This training provides examples of:
- the questions and challenges around supporting, and
- the supports your program will need to support transgender and gender-expansive students
When: Tuesday, June 13, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The registration form includes a space to enter questions for the facilitators. Additional questions may be sent to Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu.
Accommodations: Accommodation requests should be made via email to inclusive.outreach@oregonstate.edu or Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu, or by calling 541-737-1333.
Contact: Charissa Jones, Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-1333.
June 1 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, June 1st, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 25 (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, May 25th. 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
May 24 (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, May 24th, 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
May 24 (Wednesday; Springfield, OR) - ODS/ONREP: BIRDS! (And how to teach about them) (in-person)
Description: This hands-on and approachable workshop will introduce formal and non-formal outdoor school educators (such as 5th or 6th grade teachers and outdoor school providers) to birds and birding, including how to observe, identify, and learn about birds before, during, and/or after outdoor school. This workshop will cover strategies for educators new to teaching outdoors, such as location selection, group management, classroom connections, and safety and accessibility considerations while using birding as an introduction to outdoor learning. No prior birding experience necessary. A morning classroom session will prepare you for an afternoon field study session outside where you will be invited to apply your learning. Comfortable, weather-appropriate attire is recommended for the afternoon. Bring your own binoculars and field guides if you have some; loaners can be provided.
Date: May 24, 2023
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: in-person in Springfield, Oregon
Audience: formal and non-formal educators working with 5th and/or 6th graders in outdoor school settings
Cost: FREE. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available to support the attendance of eligible educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
This workshop is brought to you by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
May 23 (Tuesday, 2:00 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, May 23rd, 2:00-3:00 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
May 22 (Monday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network. These drop-ins are an informal space to hear updates from the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program, and to share information, connect and strategize. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, May 22nd, 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
May 18 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, May 18th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 4 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, May 4th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: In this workshop, 5th-6th grade educators will be introduced to lessons and activities that focus on what educators can do before/after outdoor school to prepare their students and extend the learning that happens at outdoor school. To support this learning extension, participants will explore activities from Project Learning Tree’s Explore Your Environment Activity Guide that are low prep and address relevant NGSS standards, while allowing students to spend time in nature. We will focus on the benefits of taking advantage of outside spaces to enhance student learning.
Date: April 28, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: in-person in Clackamas, Oregon
Audience: 5th and 6th grade educators
Cost: FREE. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available to support the attendance of eligible educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
This workshop is brought to you by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program, Oregon Forest Resources Institute (OFRI), and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
April 20 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, April 20th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
When: Wednesday, April 19, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. Registration closes April 14.
Accommodations: Accommodation requests should be made by April 14 to inclusive.outreach@oregonstate.edu, or 541-737-1346.
Description: OSU Extension is collaborating with Lewis and Clark Transactive Gender Project for an April workshop. This workshop will cover the historical establishment of restrictive gender roles and stereotypes, the natural development of gender identity and gender expression and the impact our history has on cultural attitudes regarding gender identity in children, adolescents, teens and adults.
Have questions about serving all youth in Oregon as it relates to gender identity and gender expression? Send them anonymously to: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cO51QgPOTUp7jVk by April 14.
April 6 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, April 6th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: This one-day workshop will feature instructional tools from the BEETLES Project (beetlesproject.org) that will equip Natural Resource and STEM professionals with the skills and self-efficacy to facilitate equitable and engaging lessons with youth at educational outreach events, including outdoor school. The workshop will focus on how people learn as well as observation and questioning strategies to engage students. Participants will engage in student activities and leave with resources for developing their own lesson plans. This workshop will be interactive and provide time to get to know other natural resource professionals who teach youth throughout eastern Oregon. We especially encourage professionals who participate in outdoor school or are interested in participating in outdoor school to join us for the workshop.
Date: April 4, 2023
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Location: in-person in Cove, Oregon (Union County)
Audience: This workshop is intended for, but not limited to, natural resource professionals, STEM professionals, and educators in eastern Oregon.
Cost: FREE. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays. A $100 stipend is available to support the attendance of eligible educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. Please contact Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu with questions about stipend eligibility.
Registration: Register on the ONREP website. Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop or when full.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Please contact ONREP@oregonstate.edu to request accommodations that will make your participation possible.
This workshop is brought to you by: the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program, Greater Oregon STEM Hub, and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
March 23 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, March 23rd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
March 9 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, March 9th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
February 23 (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, February 23, 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Kristi Backe, kristi.backe@oregonstate.edu
February 23 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, February 23rd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
February 22 (Wednesday, 1:00 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, February 22nd, 1:00-2:00 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Kristi Backe, kristi.backe@oregonstate.edu
February 22 (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, February 22nd, 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Kristi Backe, kristi.backe@oregonstate.edu
February 21 (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, February 21st, 3:30-4:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Kristi Backe, kristi.backe@oregonstate.edu
February 9 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, February 9th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
February 1 (Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.) - Evaluation for Learning - Session 1 (option 2)
Evaluation for Learning Series: Inclusion and Equity - Session 1
(Note: There are two date/time options for Session 1, one on January 31 and one on February 1. Choose ONE that fits best with your schedule.)
When: Wednesday, February 1, 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: We are excited to invite you to join a new professional development series about evaluation for learning. (‘Evaluation for learning’ is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score).
In the first session, we will focus on learning about your needs, interests, and priorities around evaluation at outdoor school. This is the time to share what you want to learn about and do during the series, because the rest of the series will be based on what is discussed during the first session! (After the first session, we will announce topics for the other sessions so you can choose to attend the ones you want.)
Goal of the series: Support outdoor school educators in developing and building on strategies for using evaluation in their own program settings… all for greater equity! Throughout the series, we will use and discuss principles of culturally responsive evaluation related to each session’s topic.
Community-driven approach: Outdoor school providers will prioritize session topics and are crucial to the conversations and learning that will happen during each session.
January 31 (Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.) - Evaluation for Learning - Session 1 (option 1)
Evaluation for Learning Series: Inclusion and Equity - Session 1
(Note: There are two date/time options for Session 1, one on January 31 and one on February 1. Choose ONE that fits best with your schedule.)
When: Tuesday, January 31, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: We are excited to invite you to join a new professional development series about evaluation for learning. (‘Evaluation for learning’ is evaluation focused on understanding and improving programs, not assigning a grade/score).
In the first session, we will focus on learning about your needs, interests, and priorities around evaluation at outdoor school. This is the time to share what you want to learn about and do during the series, because the rest of the series will be based on what is discussed during the first session! (After the first session, we will announce topics for the other sessions so you can choose to attend the ones you want.)
Goal of the series: Support outdoor school educators in developing and building on strategies for using evaluation in their own program settings… all for greater equity! Throughout the series, we will use and discuss principles of culturally responsive evaluation related to each session’s topic.
Community-driven approach: Outdoor school providers will prioritize session topics and are crucial to the conversations and learning that will happen during each session.
January 26 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, January 26th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
January 12 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, January 12th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
2022 Events and Workshops
December 15 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, December 15th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
December 1 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, December 1st, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
November 17 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, November 17th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
November 16 (Wednesday, 3:30 pm) - Outdoor School Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, November 16th, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, sarah.cuddy@oregonstate.edu
November 16 (Wednesday, 2:00 pm) - Outdoor School Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, November 16th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, sarah.cuddy@oregonstate.edu
November 15 (Tuesday, 3:00 pm) - Outdoor School Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, November 15th, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, sarah.cuddy@oregonstate.edu
November 14 (Monday, 2:00 pm) - Outdoor School Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, November 14th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, sarah.cuddy@oregonstate.edu
November 3 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, November 3rd, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 20 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, October 20th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 6 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, October 6th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 22 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, September 22, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 9 (Friday, 9:30 a.m.) - Outdoor School Self-Evaluation Tools Introduction (virtual)
The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program has created three Self-Evaluation Tools to support outdoor school programs in becoming more equitable, inclusive, and culturally responsive. In this session, we will introduce the tools by discussing their purpose, how they are structured, and how they might be used by programs. The session will include time for questions and answers, including questions about how the Self-Evaluation Tools could be used as part of 2022 Equity, Diversity, Accessibility, and Inclusion grant projects. The session will be recorded and posted to our website.
When: Friday, September 9, 9:30 to 11:00 a.m.
Where: Zoom
Recording: Available here.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 8 (Thursday, 3:30 p.m.) - Outdoor School Eastern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, May 26th, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, sarah.cuddy@oregonstate.edu
September 8 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Outdoor School Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, September 8th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 7 (Wednesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Central Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, September 7th, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Kristi Backe, kristi.backe@oregonstate.edu
September 6 (Tuesday, 3:30 p.m.) - Northern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, September 6th, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Benno Lyon, benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu
August 31 (Wednesday, 3:00 p.m.) - Southern Region Drop In (virtual)
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, August 31st, 3:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Amy Hoffman, amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu
August 25 (Thursday, 2:00 p.m.) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: Thursday, August 25th, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
August 4 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: August 4 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
July 7 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: July 7 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
June 2 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: June 2 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This event is part of a series! Read more about the Global Change & Outdoor Education Series below. You can attend as many sessions as you would like.
Session 4 Global Change Series - Integrating Climate Justice
Date: Wednesday, June 1st, 2022
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m., PDT
Format: Online
Description: In this workshop, we will explore a collection of climate change lesson plans and discuss how climate justice can be incorporated into our work as educators.
Participants will receive a copy of the Project Wild Climate & Wildlife collection of activities.
Registration required. Offered at no cost to formal and nonformal Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays.
Registration will close approximately 2 weeks prior to the workshop.
Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Series Information:
Title: Global Change & Outdoor Education Series - Online
Description: This is a discussion group series focusing on how to frame global change topics with students in an outdoor education context. This series will provide middle school and high school formal and nonformal educators with an opportunity to explore strategies, tools, and tips that they can draw on when working with students.
We encourage educators to attend as many of the sessions as they would like. Each session will focus on a different topic.
This series is co-hosted by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
May 26th (Thursday, 3:30 pm) - Eastern Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, May 26th, at 3:30 pm
Where: Zoom.REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Benno Lyon, benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu
Sarah Cuddy, the Regional Coordinator for Eastern Oregon, is on maternity leave until June. Her colleague Benno Lyon, the Regional Coordinator for Northern Oregon, will convene this drop in.
May 23rd (Monday, 3:30 pm) - Southern Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, May 23rd, at 3:30 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Amy Hoffman,amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu
May 23rd (Monday, 4:00 pm) - Northern Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Monday, May 23rd, at 4:00 pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Benno Lyon, benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu
May 19 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: May 19 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
May 18th (Wednesday, 3:30 pm) - Central Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, May 18th, at 3:30pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Charissa Jones, charissa.jones@oregonstate.edu
May 5 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: May 5 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This event is part of a series! Read more about the Global Change & Outdoor Education Series below. You can attend as many sessions as you would like.
Session 3 Global Change Series - Developing climate change lessons and curriculum: Where do we start?
Date: Wednesday, May 4th, 2022
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., PST
Format: Online
Description:There is more to learn about climate change than we could ever address in our programs/classrooms. How do we decide what to include, and how can we frame our approach? In this short session, we welcome outdoor educator Karly Foster to share her experiences developing a place-based climate change curriculum for use in Oregon. Together, we will reflect on and discuss how to set priorities, include multiple perspectives, and engage youth in learning about climate change in Oregon in ways that are meaningful to them.
Registration required. Offered at no cost to formal and nonformal Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays.
Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop.
Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Series Information:
Title: Global Change & Outdoor Education Series - Online
Description: This is a discussion group series focusing on how to frame global change topics with students in an outdoor education context. This series will provide middle school and high school formal and nonformal educators with an opportunity to explore strategies, tools, and tips that they can draw on when working with students.
We encourage educators to attend as many of the sessions as they would like. Each session will focus on a different topic.
This series is co-hosted by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
April 26 (Tuesday) - Application and Reporting Webinar (virtual)
The OSU Outdoor School team will be hosting a webinar to give outdoor school providers, as well as school, district, and ESD representatives, an update on the Outdoor School Application and Reporting System.
The webinar will be held on April 26 from 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm and we encourage anyone involved in the outdoor school application or reporting process to join us!
Registration Link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_DhlxePM2QbSfOJxN5Wo56A
*This webinar will be recorded, so if you can’t make this event, you’ll be able to view the recording from our website a few days after the event.
April 21 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: April 21 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
April 7 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: April 7 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This event is part of a series! Read more about the Global Change & Outdoor Education Series below. You can attend as many sessions as you would like.
Session 2 Global Change Series - Setting Up For Success: Bringing Whole Selves to Global Change Topics
Date: Tuesday, March 29th, 2022
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., PST
Format: Online
Description: When we frame charged topics like climate change, extreme weather patterns, natural disasters, etc. with an asset-based mindset, learners can bring their whole selves to the experience and tackle deeply nuanced topics with agency and autonomy. This short session will introduce the idea of facilitating from a whole self-perspective, using a reimagined model for thinking about meeting learners' needs in order to successfully engage in big conversations.
Registration required. Offered at no cost to formal and nonformal Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays.
Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop.
Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Series Information:
Title: Global Change & Outdoor Education Series - Online
Description: This is a discussion group series focusing on how to frame global change topics with students in an outdoor education context. This series will provide middle school and high school formal and nonformal educators with an opportunity to explore strategies, tools, and tips that they can draw on when working with students.
We encourage educators to attend as many of the sessions as they would like. Each session will focus on a different topic.
Dates and topics for April-June will be announced soon!
This series is co-hosted by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
March 24 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: March 24 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
March 23 (Wednesday) - Adult Mental Health First Aid (virtual)
We are pleased to welcome the OSU Extension Service Coast to Forest program to lead a training on adult mental health first aid for outdoor school educators. This training will address signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance abuse and will provide strategies and tools for interacting with individuals in crisis and connecting people to additional support. Note: We are also offering a Youth Mental Health First Aid training on March 14 and 15. The facilitators for both the youth and adult sessions have indicated that the strategies in the sessions are generally applicable across age groups, and for most people, attending just one (either youth or adult) will be sufficient.
Date: Wednesday, March 23, 2022
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (with two hours of self-paced pre-work in the weeks prior to the synchronous portion of the event)
Audience: Outdoor school educators (field instructors and/or program coordinators, outdoor school site representatives, and teachers/administrators whose students attend outdoor school).
Format: This is a virtual workshop. Prior to March 23, you will be required to complete approximately two hours of self-paced online learning in the Mental Health First Aid Connect portal at a time that is convenient for you. On March 23, you will join the live/synchronous session via a link shared with you in advance by the training facilitators.
Registration: Registration for this event is closed.
If you are an outdoor school program coordinator and you would like to register multiple staff members for this training and/or discuss options for alternate dates that fit with your training schedule, please contact Kristi Backe.
Cost: FREE. Substitute reimbursements are available for Oregon educators who support students attending outdoor school using Measure 99 funds. A $100 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Contact: For questions about eligibility for substitute reimbursements or stipends, please contact Kristi Backe, OSU Extension Service Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator. For questions about the training itself, please contact Abbey Martin, Program Coordinator for Coast to Forest.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to participate. Please contact Kristi Backe or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible. To make a request by phone, please leave a voicemail for Kristi at 541-737-5587.
March 14 (Monday) and 15 (Tuesday) - Youth Mental Health First Aid (virtual)
We are pleased to welcome facilitators from the Association of Oregon Mental Health Programs to lead a training on youth mental health first aid for outdoor school educators. This training will address signs and symptoms of mental health challenges and substance abuse and will provide strategies and tools for interacting with individuals in crisis and connecting people to additional support. Note: We are also offering an Adult Mental Health First Aid training on March 23. The facilitators for both the youth and adult sessions have indicated that the strategies in the sessions are generally applicable across age groups, and for most people, attending just one (either youth or adult) will be sufficient.
Dates: Monday, March 14, AND Tuesday, March 15, 2022
Time: 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. both days (with two hours of self-paced pre-work that must be completed by Friday, March 11)
Audience: Outdoor school educators (field instructors and/or program coordinators, outdoor school site representatives, and teachers/administrators whose students attend outdoor school).
Format: This is a virtual workshop. On or before March 11 (the Friday before the training), you will be required to complete approximately two hours of self-paced online learning in the Mental Health First Aid Connect portal at a time that is convenient for you. On March 14 and 15, you will join the live/synchronous sessions via a link shared with you in advance by the training facilitators.
Registration: Registration is closed for this event.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist, or if you are an outdoor school program coordinator who would like to discuss options for alternate dates that fit with your program's training schedule, please contact Kristi Backe.
Cost: FREE. Substitute reimbursements are available for Oregon educators who support students attending outdoor school using Measure 99 funds. A $100 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Contact: Kristi Backe, OSU Extension Service Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to participate. Please contact Kristi Backe or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible. To make a request by phone, please leave a voicemail for Kristi at 541-737-5587.
Description: Join experienced teachers and outdoor educators as we explore how we can build and maintain connections between outdoor school and the classroom, with the goal of maximizing the benefits - academic and social/emotional - for all students and teachers.
At the end of the workshop, teachers will be able to:
- Give examples of how to link outdoor school content and classroom content in culturally responsive ways.
- Describe how social-emotional engagement before, during, and after outdoor school can support the student outdoor school experience.
- Identify barriers and solutions to integrating classroom and outdoor school.
- Develop a plan for improving classroom/outdoor school integration, based on the specifics of their particular school or district situation.
Educators will be invited to share their experiences, and will have time to ask questions, connect with others, and discuss what supporting students during outdoor school looks like during ongoing COVID-related restrictions and beyond.
Date: Friday, March 11, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., PST
Location: June Key Delta Community Center, Portland, OR (see additional venue information below)
Audience: Classroom and special education teachers (classroom and/or interventionist) whose students attend outdoor school. We encourage educators to attend with colleagues from their school to strengthen connections among teaching teams.
Workshop Format: In-person, primarily indoors, with several outdoor activities on even, paved terrain. This workshop will comply with federal, state, Oregon State University, county, and local regulations as well as the policies of the facility where the workshop is being held. More detailed information will be shared with registrants prior to the workshop. Due to the nature of COVID-19 regulations, in-person workshops are subject to change.
Cost: FREE. Lunch is included. Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available. Substitute reimbursements are available for Oregon educators who support students attending outdoor school using Measure 99 funds. A $100 stipend is available for qualifying Oregon educators who are not being compensated by their employer for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Registration: Registration has closed for this event.
Accommodations: We would like to make this event accessible for anyone who wants to attend. Accommodations can be requested directly in the registration form. You may also call and leave a voicemail for Benno Lyon at 503-764-8052 or email benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu to make accommodations requests.
Contact: Benno Lyon, OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Northern Regional Coordinator, at 503-764-8052 or benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu.
Facilitators:
- Matt Ross has spent the past 15 years in education, nine years as a classroom teacher and six years as the principal of Open School East (OSE). Matt attended outdoor school in 6th grade, and later was integral in bringing outdoor school leadership opportunities to OSE high school students.
- Benno Lyon (he/him) has decades of outdoor school and science education experience. He attended ODS in sixth grade, was a five time high school student leader, an ODS staff member, a middle school science teacher for 17 years, and currently is the Regional Coordinator in Northern Oregon for the OSU Extension Outdoor School Program.
Venue Information:
- Location: The June Key Delta Community Center is located at 5940 N Albina Ave, Portland, OR 97217.
- Transportation: The June Key Delta Community Center is accessible via public transportation. The facility has a bike rack. There is ample free street parking directly around the Center. If you would like to discuss options for parking a vehicle with a handicapped placard, please contact Benno Lyon, OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Northern Regional Coordinator, at 503-764-8052 or benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu.
- Accessibility: The front door of the June Key Delta Community Center is several steps up from the sidewalk. A wheelchair-accessible ramp is available to access the front door. The classroom is on the first floor. Bathrooms are ADA-compliant and are on the same floor as the classroom.
- Outdoor Locations: Any outdoor locations visited during the workshop will be accessible via even, paved terrain.
- Internet Access: WiFi will be available at the venue.
March 10 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: March 10 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This event is part of a series! Read more about the Global Change & Outdoor Education Series below. You can attend as many sessions as you would like.
Session 1 - Using the Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN) to Frame Global Climate Change
Date: Monday, March 7th, 2022
Time: 3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., PST
Format: Online (Zoom)
Description: This session will introduce educators to the NOAA-supported Climate Literacy and Energy Awareness Network (CLEAN). The CLEAN collection is an online database of 800+ educator and scientist-reviewed, free, digital resources that include NGSS aligned lesson plans, visualizations, videos, and short demonstrations/experiments. It uses three main program components to provide resources for teachers on climate and energy (1) the CLEAN Collection, (2) Network, and (3) training and support.
Registration required. Offered at no cost to formal and nonformal Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays.
Registration will close approximately 1 week prior to the workshop.
Registration & Details: https://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Series Information:
Title: Global Change & Outdoor Education Series - Online
Description: This is a discussion group series focusing on how to frame global change topics with students in an outdoor education context. This series will provide middle school and high school formal and nonformal educators with an opportunity to explore strategies, tools, and tips that they can draw on when working with students.
We encourage educators to attend as many of the sessions as they would like. Each session will focus on a different topic.
Dates and topics for April-June will be announced soon!
This series is co-hosted by: OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)
March 3 (Thursday) - IN-PERSON (Central Point, OR) - ODS/ONREP - Teaching Fire at Outdoor School
Description: Join us to experience and explore a new Outdoor School lesson plan that’s all about fire! This lesson, which follows the BEETLES model, provides guidance for 3.5 to 7 hours of engaging and timely explorations of fire science and fire ecology for students participating in in-person Outdoor School programs. During the workshop, we will examine and apply NGSS frameworks, trauma-informed care practices, social-emotional learning, and ODS self-evaluation tools, all using the new fire lesson as a context for learning.
This outdoor, in-person workshop will take place at the Southern Oregon Research and Extension Center in Central Point. Environmental conditions, such as weather or changes in COVID restrictions could require rescheduling; registered participants will receive updates if we need to change the date.
This workshop is co-hosted by: OSU Extension Service - Outdoor School Program, Southern Oregon Fire Ecology Education, Rogue Environmental Ed, and Southern Oregon Land Conservancy and Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP).
Audience: Outdoor School Providers and formal and non-formal educators who work with 5th and 6th grade students attending outdoor school.
Registration: Registration is closed for this event. The workshop is offered at no cost to formal and nonformal Oregon educators. PDUs available. Substitute reimbursement available on teacher workdays.
Food: Lunch will be provided. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, please email Amy Hoffman (amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu) prior to the close of workshop registration at 9 a.m. on Friday, February 25th.
Accommodations: To request accommodations to make your participation possible and/or to learn more about the accessibility of the site, please contact Amy Hoffman at amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu or Kristi Backe at kristi.backe@oregonstate.edu.
Stipends Available: A $100 stipend is available for Oregon educators who work/volunteer for a Measure 99-funded outdoor school program and who are not being compensated by another source for the time they attend the workshop. For more details and the full eligibility criteria, please see the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
*Oregon Natural Resources Education Program’s (ONREP’s) primary goal is the health and wellbeing of all facilitators, participants, and guests. All in-person ONREP professional development events will comply with federal, state, Oregon State University, county, and local regulations as well as the policies of the facility where the workshop is being held. More detailed information will be shared in the workshop confirmation which is sent to registrants prior to the workshop.
Due to the nature of COVID-19 regulations, in-person workshops are subject to change.
February 24 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants.
Our February 24 Community of Practice meeting is happening as part of our 2022 Virtual Outdoor School Gathering. All are welcome! Our Community of Practice meeting will be shorter than usual (2:00 to 2:30 p.m.) but will still provide us an opportunity to gather together to share successes and challenges and connect with the group.
To join: Please visit our Outdoor School Gathering webpage for the link to register for the Gathering. You can come to as many or as few sessions of the Gathering as you'd like, including joining just for the Community of Practice. We will not use our recurring Zoom link to meet on February 24. We will use the Zoom link available through the Outdoor School Gathering platform.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
February 23 (Wednesday) and February 24 (Thursday) - 2022 Outdoor School Gathering (virtual)
In partnership with Friends of Outdoor School and the Gray Family Foundation, we hosted our 2022 Virtual Oregon Outdoor School Gathering on February 23rd and 24th, 2022!
Visit our 2022 Outdoor School Gathering webpage for more information and video recordings.
February 10 (Thursday) - Community of Practice (virtual)
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: February 10 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
February 2nd (Wednesday) 3:00pm, Eastern Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, February 2nd, at 3:o0pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, sarah.cuddy@oregonstate.edu
January 27 (Thursday) - Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: January 27 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
January 26th (Wednesday) 3:00pm- Central Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Wednesday, January 26th, at 3:00pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Charissa Jones, charissa.jones@oregonstate.edu
January 20th (Thursday) 3:30pm, Southern Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Thursday, January 20th, at 3:30pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Amy Hoffman, amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu
Description: School/district support staff such as counselors and school psychologists have a unique view of the challenges students are facing this year. We are convening a panel of school staff who support student emotional health and well-being to share their thoughts about how students are doing this year and describe strategies outdoor school educators can use to support students (including knowing when to seek additional help for a student beyond what the educator can provide). After each panelist shares briefly about their experience, we will open the (virtual) floor for questions and discussion. Panelists include:
- Luke Burton, Child Development Specialist, South Baker Intermediate School, Baker City
- Jacquie Jaquette, Professional Learning & Certified Trauma Informed Specialist, Central Point School District, Central Point
- Katie Loewen, Counselor, Harriet Tubman Middle School, Portland
This is the third session in our January 2022 panel series.
Recording: This session was recorded and is available for viewing.
Resources Mentioned During the Panel Session and/or Provided by Panelists:
- Fostering Resilient Learners
- Dan Siegel (hand-brain model)
- Create More, Fear Less
- Southern Oregon Success
- Sound Discipline (Description from panelist Jacquie Jaquette: It’s centered around creating a sense of belonging in your classroom and utilizes a strategy called Classroom Meetings. While students sit in a circle, 1 student poses a problem that they are noticing and their peers brainstorm ways to solve that problem that is intended to be helpful, not hurtful.)
- Mind the Gap: Identifying Learning Needs, Elena Aguilar
- The ABCs of Making Mistakes with a Growth Mindset (From panelist Jacquie Jaquette: Older kids could make their own and have it centered around nature and their outdoor/indoor surroundings at camp or home.)
Date: Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
January 18th (Tuesday) 3:30pm, Northern Region Drop In
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
When: Tuesday, January 18th, at 3:30pm
Where: Zoom. REGISTER HERE.
Contact: Benno Lyon, benno.lyon@oregonstate.edu
January 13 (Thursday) - Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: January 13 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: 5th and 6th grade students attending outdoor school this year were in 2nd or 3rd grade when they last had a school year not interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Most students are now back in the classroom, and teachers and administrators are learning more about students’ unique needs and challenges. We are convening a panel of classroom teachers and administrators to share what they are learning about students this year and how this could relate to students’ outdoor school experiences and the support they may need. After each panelist shares briefly about their experience, we will open the (virtual) floor for questions and discussion. Panelists include:
- Shannon Criss, Superintendent, Harney Education Service District, Harney County
- Shawn Hardy, 5th grade teacher, Sunny Wolf Charter School, Wolf Creek
- Sarah Ruggiero Kirby, Secondary Science Specialist Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA), Eugene 4J School District, Eugene
- Dr. Harriette Vimegnon, Principal, Beaumont Middle School, Portland
- Kortnie Walter, 5th grade teacher, Ferndale Elementary, Milton-Freewater
This is the second session in our January 2022 panel series.
Date: Wednesday, January 12, 2022
Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Recording: This session was recorded and is available for viewing.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Description: We are convening a panel of outdoor school providers to share their experiences modifying outdoor school programs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Panelists will share lessons they have learned and challenges they are still navigating. After each panelist shares briefly about their experience, we will open the (virtual) floor for questions and discussion. Panelists include:
- Anne Armstrong, Oregon Museum of Science and Industry’s Coastal Discovery Center at Camp Gray, Newport, OR
- Becky Booroojian, Northwest Outdoor Science School (NWRESD), Hillsboro, OR
- Kaitlin Gustafson, Camp Elkanah, LaGrande, OR
- A representative from The Crest at Willow-Witt, Ashland, OR
This is the first session in our January 2022 panel series.
Date: Wednesday, January 5, 2022
Time: 3:30 to 5 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Recording: This session was recorded and is available for viewing.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
2021 Events and Workshops
December 16, 2021 - Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: December 16 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
December 2, 2021 - Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: December 2 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
November 18, 2021 - Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: November 18 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
November 4, 2021 - Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community. The meetings are informal and are driven by questions and discussion items from participants. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like! You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
When: November 4 on Thursday from 2-3 p.m.
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 21-28, 2021 - Regional Drop-Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
September 8-9, 2021- Regional Drop Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
July 21 and 28, 2021 - Universal Design for Learning at Outdoor School
Learner variability is the norm, not the exception. In this workshop, Susan Coleman, a Teacher on Special Assignment for Springfield Public Schools, joins us to explore how we can plan for learner variability at outdoor school. The workshop will focus on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), a framework for teaching in a way that supports all learners in accessing and participating in meaningful learning experiences.
The workshop is broken into two sessions, with the option to apply some of the strategies from the first session into your real-world interactions with children before the second session. Not currently working or interacting with children? No problem – you’re invited to join us anyways! You will be automatically signed up for both sessions when you register at the link below.
Date: Wednesday, July 21st AND Wednesday, July 28th, 2021
Time: 3 to 5 p.m. (on both dates)
Location: Zoom
Registration: Registration is closed for this event.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Substitute Reimbursements: Substitute reimbursements (including for summer school) are available to Oregon teachers who support students attending Measure 99-funded outdoor school. For more details and the full eligibility criteria, please see our Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Stipends: An $80 stipend is available for Oregon outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by another source for the time they attend the workshop. This includes nonformal educators who work/volunteer for Measure 99-funded outdoor school programs and formal educators who work with students attending Measure 99-funded outdoor school. For more details and the full eligibility criteria, please see our Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Professional Development Units (PDUs): PDUs are available for this workshop.
You do NOT need to request substitute reimbursements, stipends, or PDUs in advance, though you are welcome to contact Kristi Backe if you have questions about your eligibility.
June 22, 2021 - Through an Indigenous Lens: Being Trauma and Healing Informed
We are pleased to welcome the Native Wellness Institute to provide a "Through an Indigenous Lens: Being Trauma and Healing Informed" training for outdoor school educators. Participants will be led through a historical journey that will open hearts, minds and conversation to better understanding trauma, behaviors, healing and serving youth and families in a good way. Cultural perspectives, tribal stories and solution-oriented strategies will be shared and discussed. This event will NOT be recorded.
Date: Tuesday, June 22, 2021
Time: 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. (with a break from 10:30 to 11 a.m.)
Location: Zoom
Registration: Register for the Zoom link. Zoom will send you a confirmation email that contains a link for joining the workshop.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Substitute Reimbursements: Substitute reimbursements (including for summer school) are available to Oregon teachers who support students attending Measure 99-funded outdoor school. For more details and the full eligibility criteria, please see our Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Stipends: An $80 stipend is available for Oregon outdoor school educators who are not being compensated by another source for the time they attend the workshop. This includes nonformal educators who work/volunteer for Measure 99-funded outdoor school programs and formal educators who work with students attending Measure 99-funded outdoor school. For more details and the full eligibility criteria, please see our Stipends, Substitute Reimbursements, and PDUs page.
Professional Development Units (PDUs): PDUs are available for this workshop.
You do NOT need to request substitute reimbursements, stipends, or PDUs in advance, though you are welcome to contact Kristi Backe if you have questions about your eligibility.
June 3, 2021 - Statewide Outdoor School Q&A Session
Do you have questions about 2021-2022 outdoor school? Join us for a brief update about outdoor school reports, applications, and our COVID-19 response strategies. We will spend most of the time answering questions from participants. The session will be recorded and posted on the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School website. If you are not able to attend but have a question you would like to see addressed during the session (and captured in the recording for you to view later), please send your question to outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu
Date: Thursday, June 3rd, 2021
Time: 3 to 4 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Recording: This meeting was recorded. Please visit our COVID-19 Webinars page to view the recording.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator, or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This three-part series featuring instructional tools from the BEETLES Project (beetlesproject.org) will equip STEAM professionals (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math professionals) with the skills and self-efficacy to facilitate equitable and engaging lessons with youth at outreach events, including outdoor school. This third session will provide a step-by-step process to create effective STEAM activities. Participants will collaboratively create a lesson plan with a purposeful flow that includes appropriate instructional strategies by scaffolding their content into a provided lesson plan template.
Please visit our Workshop Series page for details on this training (and the others in the series) and to register.
May 24-27, 2021- Regional Drop Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
Based on the amazing feedback of outdoor school educators, we have updated our Instructional Resource Self-Evaluation Tool (IRSET). The IRSET is designed to support programs in evaluating and improving their outdoor school instructional resources (e.g., lesson plans) and curriculum. Join us online for an introduction to IRSET Version 3.0! During this event, we will highlight the changes we’ve made in Version 3.0, walk through how the tool is used, share tips and strategies for using it with your team, and point you to resources that may be useful as you use the tool. The webinar will be recorded and available on the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School website for later viewing.
Date: Thursday, May 20, 2021
Time: 10:30 a.m. to noon
Location: Zoom
Registration: Register for the Zoom link. Zoom will send you a confirmation email that contains a link for joining the event.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
This three-part series featuring instructional tools from the BEETLES Project (beetlesproject.org) will equip STEAM professionals (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math professionals) with the skills and self-efficacy to facilitate equitable and engaging lessons with youth at outreach events, including outdoor school. This second workshop focuses on making observations and questioning strategies as key foundational skills to encourage direct student engagement with nature and STEAM content.
Please visit our Workshop Series page for details on this training (and the others in the series) and to register.
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
This three-part series featuring instructional tools from the BEETLES Project (beetlesproject.org) will equip STEAM professionals (i.e., Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math professionals) with the skills and self-efficacy to facilitate equitable and engaging lessons with youth at outreach events, including outdoor school. This first workshop explores how people learn and then how to prepare field experiences to help learners build understanding about concepts taught by STEAM professionals.
Please visit our Workshop Series page for details on this training (and the others in the series) and to register.
March 31, 2021 - The Trauma-Sensitive Outdoor School: An Organizational View (3 of 3 in Series)
How can outdoor school programs develop policies and systems that are trauma-informed? In this session (the third of three), Celeste Janssen, the director of the Institute for Youth Success at Education Northwest, will lead outdoor school program coordinators and directors in examining the policies and practices that can support outdoor school teams in their journey to become trauma-informed programs. Celeste will use outdoor school-specific examples and interactive elements to engage you in reflecting on your own program.
Please visit our Workshop Series page for details on this training (and the others in the series), to register, and to access the recording of Session 1. Session 1 is a prerequisite for this session.
What does it look like to implement strategies for supporting students and adults an a trauma-informed way? In this session (the second of three), Celeste Janssen, the director of the Institute for Youth Success at Education Northwest, will lead educators (teachers, field instructors, outdoor school program coordinators/directors, and others) in thinking about their own techniques to manage trauma responses both in themselves and in youth they serve.
Please visit our Workshop Series page for details on this training (and the others in the series), to register, and to access the recording of Session 1. Session 1 is a prerequisite for this session.
March 15, 2021 - ODS/ONREP: Teaching Fire Concepts Through Oregon Ecosystems
Using the Essential Question: “How does the ecosystem determine fire risk?” as a framework, we will engage in activities that incorporate maps, models and reading to build knowledge about living and nonliving factors in three Oregon forest ecosystems, and consider how these factors can affect fire risk. We will introduce the new “K-12 Fire Essential Question Progression”, a resource for educators, to discuss and practice incorporating fire into your teaching and learning, while considering some of the challenges involved in exploring fire concepts with students.
Date: Monday, March 15
Time: 1 to 5 p.m.
Location: Zoom
Registration: Please register for this workshop through the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP) website.
Contact: Oregon Natural Resources Education Program
Accommodations: Please contact the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program or Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
Stipends: Nonformal outdoor school educators who attend this workshop may be eligible for an $80 stipend paid by Measure 99 funds. You are eligible for a stipend if you meet all of the following criteria:
- are not being compensated by an employer or from another source while attending the workshop
- have worked/volunteered for an outdoor school receiving Measure 99 funds in the last two years OR have a Gray Family Foundation outdoor school planning grant
- will work/volunteer for an outdoor school receiving Measure 99 funds in 2020-2021
- participate fully in the professional development event, including completion of all surveys
Please see our Stipends and Substitute Reimbursements page for more details about eligibility and the process for requesting a stipend.
An individual nonformal educator is eligible for a maximum of $200 per year in professional development stipends for outdoor school workshops. If you have questions about the stipend or your eligibility, please contact Kristi Backe, the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program's Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator.
Substitute Reimbursements and Professional Development Units (PDUs) are available for this workshop.
January 21, 2021 - Regional Drop-Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
March 3, 2021 - Accessibility, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Consultant Panel
The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School program recently launched two equity grants for Outdoor School Providers and Facilities. The first grant focuses on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) program improvement while the second grant focuses on Accessibility and Inclusion site improvement. As part of our efforts to support the outdoor school network, we are convening a panel presentation to introduce outdoor school providers, sites, and educators to the amazing organizations, consultants, and facilitators with EDI curriculum and facilitation expertise here in Oregon. Panelists will discuss the benefits of a facilitated EDI process and some of the services they offer to support the outdoor school network in their journey towards centering accessibility, equity, diversity, and inclusion in their programs.
Date: Wednesday, March 3, 2021
Time: 2 to 3:30 p.m.
To view a recording of this panel, please click here.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy, Eastern Regional Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Sarah Cuddy or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
In the first of a three-part series, we are pleased to welcome Celeste Janssen, the director of the Institute for Youth Success at Education Northwest, to facilitate this session about brain development, how trauma affects the brain, and brain regulation and dysregulation. The training will feature material from brain researchers, policy makers, and trauma-informed practice experts and answer questions like “What does it mean to have a trauma response?” This session will provide the basis for Sessions 2 and 3.
Please visit our Workshop Series page for details on this training (and the others in the series) and to register.
February 24 & 25, 2021 - Regional Virtual Gatherings
Together with Friends of Outdoor School, we are providing a forum where you can join together with other outdoor school stakeholders in your region. In this Gathering, we will cover Oregon Department of Education (ODE) Guidance and funding, give examples of Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) and in-person programs, talk about consideration for spring programming, and allow time for planning and questions. These regional gatherings will not be recorded.
If you work in multiple regions or with students from multiple regions, you are welcome to join more than one gathering or choose the one that makes most sense for you.
In this discussion group (hosted in partnership with the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP)), participants will explore why equity is central to supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) and how it relates to trauma-informed care (TIC). We will be providing each participant with one thought-provoking article and one short information sheet to read prior to the meeting. The discussion groups will follow a jigsaw method format. We invite you to join this opportunity to engage with others, share your thoughts, and deepen your understanding of equity.
Date: Thursday, January 28
Time: 3:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Format: Interactive, online (Zoom)
Registration required. Registration closes at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2021.
Registration and Details: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Offered at no cost to formal and nonformal Oregon educators. PDUs available.
January 26, 2021 - Special Education and Accessibility Self-Evaluation Tool Introduction
Join us to learn about our new Special Education and Accessibility Self-Evaluation Tool, the third tool in our suite of self-evaluation tools. This tool is designed to support outdoor school programs in implementing policies and practices that support students with exceptional needs at outdoor school. During this event, we will describe the purpose of the tool, explain how it is structured, walk through how it is used, share tips and strategies for using it with your team, and point you to resources that may be useful as you use the tool. The session will be recorded and available on the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School website for later viewing.
Date: Tuesday, January 26, 2021
Time: 10 to 11:30 a.m.
Location: Zoom
Registration: Register for the Zoom link. Zoom will send you a confirmation email that contains a link for joining the webinar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe or outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
2020 Events and Workshops
December 18, 2020 - Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) Panel Discussion
Many educators around the state are in the process of planning and implementing Comprehensive Distance Learning (CDL) outdoor school programs, and we're convening a panel where four of these educators share the lessons they're learning along the way. Panelists range from a small district that organizes their own outdoor school to a large program that serves more than 10,000 students. No matter the size or structure of your outdoor school program, we invite you to join us! You will have opportunities to ask questions of the panelists as well as (optionally) share your own successes and challenges with CDL outdoor school. This discussion was recorded and is now available on our website.
Date/Time: Friday, December 18, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. (It's okay if you need to leave early!)
Contact: Kristi Backe at Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi or email us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if we can provide accommodations to make your participation possible.
Want more? This panel was inspired by the amazing conversations emerging from our ongoing Curriculum Community of Practice, which you can sign up for on this page (a couple of rows down from where you're reading right now).
December 14-16, 2020 - Regional Drop-Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
November & December (multiple dates) - Curriculum Community of Practice
Outdoor school educators are joining together in this informal group to learn about how other programs are modifying outdoor school for 2020-2021, to share lessons learned, to discuss solutions to challenges, and to build a stronger outdoor school community.
When: Every other Thursday from 2-3 p.m. You are welcome to come to as many of the meetings as you would like. You are not required to attend every meeting to be part of the group.
Fall 2020 dates:
- November 5th
- November 19th
- December 3rd
- December 17th
- December 31st (no meeting)
Where: Zoom
Registration: Register via Zoom. The Zoom registration is set up as a recurring meeting. You only need to register once. When you register, Zoom will email you a link that you will use to join all of the meetings. Your registration email will include an option to download a recurring calendar invitation if you would like to add the meetings to your calendar.
Format: The meetings are fairly informal. In general they will begin with a shareout from an outdoor school program that is currently developing and/or implementing modified outdoor school program(s). The discussion will proceed from there, driven by participants' questions, into an open forum.
Goals: Currently, the main goals are to:
- Learn about how other programs are implementing modified outdoor school programs
- Discuss lessons learned and how to address challenges while developing and delivering modified programming
- Build a community that can lift each other up
If you would like to read more about the specific questions that educators are interested in answering as part of this group, you can do so here.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
On-Demand - Critical Orientations: Indigenous Studies and Outdoor Education
This self-paced online course supports outdoor educators in engaging with culturally responsive incorporation of indigenous studies concepts into outdoor education curriculum and programming.
Created by Dr. Spirit Brooks and Dr. Leilani Sabzalian, the course introduces the following concepts:
- Land Acknowledgement
- Colonization
- Native Representation in Outdoor Education
- Sovereignty and Self-Determination
- Critically analyzing curriculum using the 6 P’s
- Land-Based Education
Register online for free through OSU Extension Professional and Continuing Education.
Monday, December 7, 2020 - Grant Program Q&A Session
If you are considering applying for an Outdoor School Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion grant, we encourage you to join this Question and Answer session to learn more about the grant program. The session will begin with a brief overview of the grant opportunities, with most of the time dedicated to answering questions from attendees.
Date/Time: Monday, December 7 at 11:30 a.m.
Registration: Register via Zoom.
Contact: Rita Bauer at Rita.Bauer@oregonstate.edu or (541) 737-4391
Accommodations: Please contact Rita or email us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if we can provide accommodations to make your participation possible.
Thursday, November 19, 2020 - Cultural Responsiveness Self-Evaluation Tool Webinar
In this webinar, we will introduce our new Cultural Responsiveness Self-Evaluation Tool, designed to support programs in becoming more culturally responsive. We will describe the purpose of the tool, explain how it is structured, walk through how it is used, share tips and strategies for using it with your team, and point you to resources that may be useful as you use the tool. The webinar will be recorded and available on the OSU Extension Service Outdoor School website for later viewing.
Date: Thursday, November 19, 2020
Time: 11 a.m. to noon
Location: Zoom
Registration: Register for the Zoom link. Zoom will send you a confirmation email that contains a link for joining the webinar.
Contact: Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Accommodations: Please contact Kristi Backe if you would like to request accommodations to make your participation possible.
October 26-30, 2020 - Regional Drop-Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
October 27 and 29, 2020 - Instructional Strategies for Outdoor School During COVID-19
Outdoor School will look different this year. In this interactive virtual workshop, you will participate in outdoor school activities, including several from the BEETLES Project, that can be implemented in a variety of situations including physically distanced in-person and distance learning programs. We will cover tools and strategies to engage our students, such as on- and off-screen explorations, online sharing platforms, and logistical considerations. Utilizing observation, exploration, journaling, and discussion routines, you will experience how outdoor school can inspire curiosity and enthusiasm in your students - even during this challenging year!
Note: This workshop is a repeat of the workshop that we ran on September 28-29, 2020.
This is a two-part workshop. Please register for BOTH sessions.
Tuesday, October 27th, 2:00-3:30 p.m. (Register here)
AND
Thursday, October 29th, 2:00-3:30 p.m. (Register here)
Accommodations: Please contact us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if we can provide accommodations to make your participation possible.
Stipends: We are able to offer a stipend of $60 for this workshop to Oregon outdoor school educators who meet the following criteria:
- are not being compensated by an employer while attending the workshop
- have worked/volunteered for an outdoor school receiving Measure 99 funds in the last two years OR have a Gray Family Foundation outdoor school planning grant
- plan to work/volunteer for an outdoor school receiving Measure 99 funds in 2020-2021
Classroom teachers are eligible for substitute reimbursements.
Questions: Contact Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
September 28-29, 2020 - Instructional Strategies for Outdoor School During COVID-19
Outdoor School will look different this year. In this interactive virtual workshop, you will participate in outdoor school activities, including several from the BEETLES Project, that can be implemented in a variety of situations including physically distanced in-person and distance learning programs. We will cover tools and strategies to engage our students, such as on- and off-screen explorations, online sharing platforms, and logistical considerations. Utilizing observation, exploration, journaling, and discussion routines, you will experience how outdoor school can inspire curiosity and enthusiasm in your students - even during this challenging year!
This workshop will NOT be recorded. Space is limited, so consider signing up today! (Note: We will be happy to run this workshop again at a later date if this one fills quickly.)
This is a two-part workshop. Please register for BOTH sessions.
Monday, September 28th, 10:00 -11:30 a.m.
AND
Tuesday, September 29th, 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Accommodations: Please contact us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if we can provide accommodations to make your participation possible.
Stipends: We are able to offer a stipend of $60 for this workshop to Oregon outdoor school educators who meet the following criteria:
- are not being compensated by an employer while attending the workshop
- have worked/volunteered for an outdoor school receiving Measure 99 funds in the last two years OR have a Gray Family Foundation outdoor school planning grant
- plan to work/volunteer for an outdoor school receiving Measure 99 funds in 2020-2021
Classroom teachers are eligible for substitute reimbursements.
Questions: Contact Kristi Backe, Curriculum and Professional Development Coordinator
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 - Social Emotional Learning at Outdoor School in 2020-2021
Children and adults are likely to need extra support during outdoor school this year as they deal with disrupted schooling, continue to adapt to the pandemic, and experience a historic social justice movement. In this webinar, we will discuss how educators can develop their own and students' social and emotional skills during outdoor school - in whatever form outdoor school takes this year. We will explore the link between equity and social-emotional learning, share and practice strategies for supporting social-emotional competencies, and consider how social-emotional learning shows up in outdoor school this year and every year.
This webinar will be recorded and made available on our website.
Date: Tuesday, September 22nd, 2020
Time: 10:00-11:30 a.m.
Social-Emotional Learning at Outdoor School in 2020-2021 document
Accommodations: Please contact us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu if we can provide accommodations to make your participation possible.
September 16-17, 2020 - Regional Virtual Gatherings
In partnership with the Friends of Outdoor School, we will be hosting Regional Gatherings in the days following the September 15th statewide webinar where you can ask follow-up questions and connect and network with folks in your area on outdoor school programming for the 2020-21 school year. These regional gatherings will not be recorded.
If you work in multiple regions or with students from multiple regions, you are welcome to join more than one gathering or choose the one that makes most sense for you. Please contact us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu or via the regional contacts listed below if there are accommodations we can provide to make your participation possible or more comfortable.
September 15, 2020, 10 a.m. - Statewide Webinar
In this webinar, we will address 1) funding adjustments for the 2020-21 school year based on necessary program changes due to COVID-19 and 2) additional support and resources we will provide to help ease transitions or adjustments.
We welcome anyone connected to outdoor school on this webinar; including providers, site owners/operators, formal and non-formal educators, school/district administrators, and outdoor school providers and site staff. The webinar will be recorded and posted to our website for those who cannot attend.
When: Tuesday, September 15th, 10:00 a.m.
How to join: Click HERE to register and get the Zoom link for the webinar.
Contact: Please contact us at outdoorschool@oregonstate.edu with questions and/or if there are accommodations we can provide to make your participation possible or more comfortable.
August 2020 (Online) - Regional Drop-Ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
July 2020 (Online) - Regional Drop-ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
June 2020 (Online) - Regional Drop-ins
Stop by and connect with other folks in your regional outdoor school network in an informal space intended to build community and allow for networking. These drop-ins are a space to connect, strategize, or just chat. Whether you join for 10 minutes or join for the entire time - we welcome you!
June 2020 (Online) - Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) in Uncertain Times (with ONREP)
Dates (same workshop repeated on two dates; choose one):
- Thursday, June 4th, 9:00-10:30 am
- Wednesday, June 10th, 2:00-3:30 pm
Audience: Educators (including providers, field instructors, and teachers) who work with 5th and 6th grade students attending outdoor school
Short Description: COVID-19 has introduced new uncertainty and social disconnection into our lives and the lives of our students. Outdoor school provides a unique opportunity for both educators and students to utilize the immersive nature experience to foster social and emotional skills in response to these challenges. We recognize that everyone experiences challenging times, such as the pandemic, differently. To address this, we will use an equity lens to identify, share, and compare strategies for supporting social-emotional learning (SEL) during outdoor school. We invite participants who are new to SEL and those who have plenty of experience supporting SEL in outdoor school.
Registration: This workshop is offered in partnership with the Oregon Natural Resources Education Program (ONREP). Please register on the ONREP workshops website.
Note: As this is a workshop and not a webinar, we are capping the number of participants. We will be happy to add additional dates if the workshops fill quickly.
May 2020 (Online) - Regional Virtual Gatherings
Together with Friends of Outdoor School, we are providing a forum where you can join together virtually with other outdoor school stakeholders in your region to share your challenges and successes, build a stronger Oregon outdoor school community, and tell us about the support you need moving forward. To facilitate discussion and promote collaboration, we are holding separate virtual gatherings in each region. If your outdoor school has locations in multiple regions or serves students from multiple regions, you are welcome to join more than one gathering. Please register for any gatherings you plan to attend.
To promote open sharing of ideas and information, these gatherings will not be recorded.
Central Region
When: Tuesday, May 19th, 1:30-2:30pm
Description: Join us to discuss how we can continue building a strong outdoor school community in the Central region during the current COVID-19 closures and in the long term. We will provide a forum for you to connect with other stakeholders to share your challenges and successes, learn from each other, and request support from us.
Contact: Kristi Backe at Kristi.Backe@oregonstate.edu
Eastern Region
When: Tuesday, May 19th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Description: During this gathering, we’ll continue to build our outdoor school network, share ideas, and brainstorm solutions to the unique challenges we face in the eastern region. We will have breakout rooms for smaller group discussions and some information sharing as a large group around outdoor school as it relates to COVID-19 and generally in eastern Oregon.
Contact: Sarah Cuddy at Sarah.Cuddy@oregonstate.edu
Northern Region
When: Thursday, May 21st, 1:00-3:00pm
Description: We’ll hear from a panel of teachers and school district folks on how students are coping with distance learning, and how our outdoor school community can support teachers and students. There will be several “breakout sessions” where you’ll be able to connect with colleagues. This is not a one-sided webinar, it is a gathering to allow us to check in and collaborate. Let’s continue to build our network, support each other, and look for creative solutions to the challenges we face.
Contact: Benno Lyon at Benno.Lyon@oregonstate.edu
Southern Region
When: Tuesday, May 12th, 3:30-4:30pm
Description: We're excited to see you all and learn more about how we can support each other during these COVID-19 restricted times. We'll meet to check-in and discuss future planning for outdoor school in our region. We'll discuss fall forecasting and professional development ideas (Fireworks, Social & Emotional Learning, other?), all through the lens of haves and needs of our providers and educators. Please think about resources or ideas you have and needs that we might be able to support in the near future. We’ll have breakout rooms for smaller discussions and large group report outs.
Contact: Amy Hoffman at Amy.Hoffman@oregonstate.edu
April 13, 2020 - ODS: Learning Strategies for Natural Resource Professionals featuring BEETLES
CANCELLED due to COVID-19. Reschedule is pending.
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: La Grande, OR
Audience: Natural Resource Professionals who teach at Outdoor School
Curriculum and Resources:
* BEETLES Strategies
Description:
- Are you a natural resource professional who is asked to share your expertise with student?
- Do you support outdoor school programs?
Natural Resources agency staff and volunteers play an important role in the success of outdoor science school. This workshop will provide an opportunity to learn and share strategies that engage students to explore nature which provides a context for learning. This workshop will offer resources from Beetles - Better Environmental Education, Teaching, Learning, and Expertise Sharing - a program of The Lawrence Hall of Science, University of California, Berkeley, which is dedicated to helping outdoor school programs inspire exploration, wonder, curiosity and critical thinking through innovative, research-based, high quality professional learning experiences and student activities.
This workshop is designed for natural resource professionals, not classroom educators. No sub reimbursement.
Registration: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Tuesday, April 7, 2020 - ODS: Powering Your Outdoor School with STEAM and ELA
CANCELLED due to COVID-19. Reschedule is pending.
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Location: Pendleton, OR
Audience: Teachers and educators working with 5th & 6th grade youth going to Outdoor School
Curriculum and Resources:
* Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Guide
Description: Science comes to life at Outdoor School, and so can writing and creativity. In this workshop, we will integrate science, English Language Arts (ELA), and art through engaging, hands-on activities. Through nature journaling, collaborative and cooperative explorations, and reflection, we will see how outdoor school inspires your students’ curiosity and enthusiasm in a meaningful context. Lessons include pre and post outdoor school activities to deepen your students’ outdoor school experience and follow you back to your classroom and schoolyard. Activities and lessons are aligned with Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices, and participants will be given the Project Learning Tree curriculum guide. Be prepared to go outside. Substitute reimbursement and PDUs available. This workshop is intended for 5th and 6th grade teachers who participate in or work with Outdoor School.
Registration: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
CANCELLED due to COVID-19. Reschedule is pending.
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Silverton, OR
Audience: 5th and 6th grade teachers who participate in or work with Outdoor School
Cost: PDUs and substitute reimbursement available
Description: Bringing students outdoors provides natural opportunities to slow down, connect, and build social emotional learning skills (SEL). Research supports that many children who attend outdoor school have growth in self-esteem, conflict resolution, relationships with peers, problem solving and motivation to learn. In this day-long workshop, we will share strategies for embedding SEL into outdoor activities such as nature journaling and student centered investigations. You will participate in activities that build and extend students confidence and knowledge as they lead up to and return from outdoor school. This workshop is intended for 5th and 6th grade teachers who participate in or work with Outdoor School.
Registration: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Time: 9:00 am – 3:00 pm
Location: Central Point, OR
Audience: Outdoor school providers*
Cost: Substitute reimbursement available
Description: Are you an outdoor school provider* interested in developing, improving, and/or revising your programs curriculum? This workshop is for you! During this day-long workshop we will explore some of the characteristics of high-quality curriculum while practicing using the Outdoor School Instructional Resource Self-Evaluation Tool. Participants will learn strategies for revising and/or developing activities using the “Creating Effective Outdoor Science Activities” guide developed by the BEETLES Program of The Lawrence Hall of Science at the University of California, Berkeley. This model uses the learning cycle to guide the process and lays out a student-centered approach to designing science activities focused on exploring and figuring out the mysteries of nature. Each participant will receive a copy of the Creating Effective Outdoor Science Activities Guide and lunch. $100 stipends are available to those non-formal educators not able to be paid through their organization for attending. Limited travel reimbursements available for those outside the Central Point Medford area but within the Southern Oregon Region.
*Outdoor school providers are those who provide outdoor school programming to 5th or 6th grade students as part of a week-long experience. This could include non-profit organizations, schools and districts, and/or natural resource organizations.
Note: This workshop is for outdoor school providers and will be a continuation of the ODS provider conference session held January 22nd and 23rd that will introduce the NEW OSU Outdoor School Program Self-Evaluation Tool. If you attended the conference, we highly recommend that you attend this professional development. If you are not able to be at the conference, this professional development will still be valuable for you to attend!
Registration: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/creating-high-quality-outdoor-science-activities-registration
Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: Wolf Creek, OR
Audience: For teachers and educators working with 5th – 6th grade youth going to outdoor school
Cost: Free; Substitute reimbursement and PDUs are available
Details: Where better to explore ecological interdependence, growth and development of organisms, structure and function, adaptation, and the environmental impact of human activity than in an outdoor classroom? In this workshop you will learn how outdoor school inspires curiosity and enthusiasm in your students that can continue back in the classroom and schoolyard with effective inquiry investigations. Using lessons from the Project Learning Tree activity guide, participants will learn how to use the outdoors as a meaningful context in which their students can engage in Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices and use outdoor based science lessons to reinforce English Language Arts. Lunch included. Participants who attend the entire workshop will receive the Project Learning Tree PreK- 8 guide.
Please register online: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshopshttps://forms.gle/HoXx61uHRFCGVmHi6
Wednesday-Thursday, January 22-23, 2020 - Outdoor School Sites and Provider Gathering
Time: January 21 - Pre-Workshop Event, January 22, 2020 start at 10:30 am and end on January 23 at 3:30 pm
Location: Camp Tadmor (near Lebanon, Oregon)
Audience: Individuals involved in outdoor school programming
Cost: $25 per attendee
Questions: Please contact Friends of Outdoor School at (971) 303-8914.
Details: Please mark your calendars for January 22-23, 2020, for a lively event with opportunities for networking, sharing best practices, and building partnerships. If you are focused on creating a solid business model for Outdoor School, are concerned with facilities upgrades and maintenance, design and implement programming, and engage in ensuring inclusive and equitable experiences for youth, the planning team is creating an agenda that will meet your needs.
Registration Link: Pending
2019 Events and Workshops
Monday, December 9, 2019- Building Social Emotional Skills through Outdoor Learning
Time: 9:00am-3:00pm
Location: Jackson Bottom Wetlands Preserve
Site Address: 2600 SW Hillsboro Hwy Site City: Hillsboro Site State: OR Site Zip: 97123
Focused Grade Levels: 3-5 and 6-8. (Workshop intended for educators in grades 5-6 that work with outdoor school.)
Website: https://www.jacksonbottom.org
Workshop Description: Bringing students outdoors provides natural opportunities to slow down, connect, and build social emotional learning skills (SEL). Research supports that many children who attend outdoor school have growth in self-esteem, conflict resolution, relationships with peers, problem solving and motivation to learn. In this day-long workshop, we will share strategies for embedding SEL into outdoor activities such as nature journaling and student centered investigations. You will participate in activities that build and extend students confidence and knowledge as they lead up to and return from outdoor school. This workshop is targeted for 5th and 6th grade teachers who participate in or work with Outdoor School.
Registration Link: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops/ods-building-social-emotional-skills-through-outdoor-learning
Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: Roseburg, OR
Audience: For fifth- and sixth-grade outdoor school educators, both formal and informal
Cost: FREE
Questions: Please contact Amy.Hoffman@oregonstate.edu, or call (541) 552-6404.
Details: Where better to explore ecological interdependence, growth and development of organisms, structure and function, adaptation, and the environmental impact of human activity than in an outdoor classroom? In this workshop you will learn how outdoor school inspires curiosity and enthusiasm in your students that can continue back in the classroom and schoolyard with effective inquiry investigations. Using lessons from the Project Learning Tree activity guide, participants will learn how to use the outdoors as a meaningful context in which their students can engage in Next Generation Science and Engineering Practices and use outdoor based science lessons to reinforce English Language Arts. Lunch included. This workshop is offered at no cost and is intended for teachers and educators working with 5th – 6th grade youth going to outdoor school.
Presenters: Amy Hoffman, Outdoor School program Southern Regional Coordinator
Registration Link: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops/registration
Tuesday, October 15, 2019 - Fire and Forest Ecosystems: An Interdisciplinary Outdoor School Workshop
Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: Pendleton, OR
Audience: For fifth- and sixth-grade outdoor school educators
Cost: FREE
Questions: Please contact Dr. Spirit Brooks at spirit.brooks@oregonstate.edu, (541) 737-2391 or Katie Chipko at katie@childrensforestco.org, (541)383-5592
Details: Discover how the topic of fire can span disciplines such as science, art, geology and writing. In this workshop, we will integrate English Language Arts (ELA) and science in an engaging, hands-on way and share strategies for building students’ knowledge of the outdoor environment. Through nature journaling, collaborative and cooperative explorations, and reflection, you will learn how outdoor school inspires curiosity and enthusiasm in your students that can continue back in the classroom and schoolyard. Using lessons from the Project Learning Tree activity guide, participants will learn how to use fire as a real-world, meaningful context in which their students can engage in interdisciplinary activities. Lunch included. Participants who attend the entire workshop will receive the Project Learning Tree PreK- 8 guide.This workshop is offered at no cost and is intended for teachers and educators working with 5th– 6thgrade youth going to Outdoor School. Substitute reimbursement and PDUs available. Priority registration will be given to Intermountain School District Educators.
Please register online here: http://onrep.forestry.oregonstate.edu/workshops
Saturday, October 12, 2019 - Equity and inclusion at Outdoor School
Time: 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Location: Lane Community College, 4000 E 30th Ave, Eugene, OR 97405
Audience: For fifth- and sixth-grade educators, both formal and informal
Cost: $50.00 Accepts Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express, and Check.
Questions: Please contact Charissa Jones, Charissa.Jones@oregonstate.edu, 541-737-1333.
Details: Outdoor School for All means every student in Oregon deserves an inclusive, impactful, and high quality outdoor school experience. Join us as part of the Oregon Science Teachers Association (OSTA) Annual Conference and explore active teaching techniques that allow a student’s lived experience to be a part of their science investigations. Experience a framework in which students name what they notice, explore what they wonder about, seek meaning, and relate observations back to their own lives. Investigating natural science with this student centered approach allows learning to become more personally and culturally relevant. Be prepared to spend an hour of this session outdoors, rain or shine. Included in session will be updates on Oregon’s growing outdoor school programming, alignment with NGSS, and a review of the Outdoor School Instructional Resource Rubric.
Presenters: Benno Lyon, Charissa Jones and Amy Hoffman, OSU Extension Outdoor School Program.
3 PDUs will be provided upon completion of this workshop.
Registration Link: https://oregonscience.org/event-3491643
Monday, September 30, 2019 - Measure 99 Funding Information and Listening Session
Time: 6:00 to 8:00 pm
Location: Lake County Extension Office, 103 South E Street, Lakeview, OR 97630
Audience: All southern Oregon district superintendents, principals, 5th or 6th grade educators, informal educators, providers, and parents/guardians are welcome to attend. Children are also welcome.
Cost: FREE
Questions: Please contact Amy Hoffman at amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu, (541) 552-6404
Details: The OSU Extension Service Outdoor School Program Office Team invites you to attend an Outdoor School Measure 99 Funding information and listening session on Monday, September 30th 2019 from 6–8pm. This will be an opportunity to ask questions, plan for next year, and learn how your district can get involved.
Pizza will be provided, so please RSVP online at https://bit.ly/2KJG2br
Download and share the flyer here.
Time: 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Location: 2804 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR 97756 (High Desert ESD)
Audience: For fifth- and sixth-grade educators, both formal and informal
Cost: Substitute reimbursement is available for classroom teachers
Questions: Please contact Dr. Spirit Brooks at spirit.brooks@oregonstate.edu, (541) 737-2391 or Katie Chipko at katie@childrensforestco.org, (541)383-5592
Details: This workshop explores culturally responsive/ responsible incorporation of indigenous studies concepts into outdoor education curriculum and programming that may be used in 5th or 6th grade outdoor schools.
Participants in the workshop will be asked to be a part of a larger study and community of practice that explores the impact of learning how to incorporate indigenous studies concepts into outdoor education curriculum using a “Critical Orientations to Outdoor Education” Curriculum tool, but participation in the study is optional, and attendees can still attend the workshop even if they choose not to participate in the study. More information about the research study, the agenda, and some pre-reading will follow registration.
Light Breakfast, Coffee and Tea, and Lunch will be provided.
Please register online by September 6: https://forms.gle/HoXx61uHRFCGVmHi6
Download and share the flyer here.
Time: 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Beverly Beach State Park in Newport, OR
Audience: Fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade educators
Cost: $30 (includes lunch, PDUs, materials, and a copy of the book Ellie’s Strand)
Questions: renee.oneill@oregonstate.edu
Details:
Join us for an educator professional development workshop with the authors of the book Ellie’s Strand: Exploring the Edge of the Pacific. At this daylong in-person event at the beach, formal and informal educators will connect literature with nature journaling, observation, and coastal stewardship. Using the book as a framework, we will explore ways to make coastal and marine issues culturally- and environmentally-relevant for upper elementary students.
Following the summer workshop, we will hold three online Community of Practice Sessions during the school year to keep the momentum going!
Are you a fifth- or sixth-grade teacher who will be taking your students to Outdoor School during the 2019-20 school year? Oregon Outdoor School has limited scholarships to reimburse teachers who participate in this workshop! In addition, teachers from other regions whose students visit the coast as part of their outdoor school experience are eligible to receive travel support to attend this workshop.
To register, please visit: https://oregoncoaststem.oregonstate.edu/feature-story/ellies-strand and click on the registration link
Download and share the flyer here
Sunday, June 9, 2019 - Portland Regional Network Gathering
Time: 2:30 pm to 4:00 pm
Location: McMenamins Kennedy School, 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Audience: Outdoor School Providers
Questions: kim@friendsofoutdoorschool.org
Details:
Join us for an informal gathering of people who love Outdoor School. Network, meet each other, and explore opportunities to help support Outdoor School!
No matter your skill set, time availability, or experience level, there are opportunities for you to publicly express your commitment to and belief in the benefits of this amazing program and transformative experience for students.
Let’s work together to achieve our shared vision: that EVERY student in Oregon attends a week of Outdoor School!
For more information and to register, please click here.
Friday May 31, 2019 - Critical Orientations: Indigenous Studies and Outdoor Education Workshop
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Medford, OR
Audience: 5th and 6th grade educators, formal and non-formal
Questions: spirit.brooks@oregonstate.edu or amy.hoffman@oregonstate.edu
Details:
This workshop explores culturally responsive/responsible incorporation of indigenous studies concepts into outdoor education curriculum and programming that may be used in 5th or 6th grade outdoor schools.
Participants in the workshop will be asked to be a part of a larger study that explores the impact of learning how to incorporate indigenous studies concepts into outdoor education curriculum using a “Critical Orientations to Outdoor Education” Curriculum tool, but participation in the study is optional, and attendees can still attend the workshop even if they choose not to participate in the study. More information about the research study, the agenda, and some pre-reading will follow registration.
The workshop will be on March 31st from 8:30 am-4:00 pm, Light Breakfast, Coffee and Tea, and Lunch will be provided.
Substitute reimbursement is available for classroom teachers.
Register here by May 20th, 2019.
Wednesday, May 8, 2019 - Outdoor School Educator Workshop
Time: 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Tillamook Forest Center, Tillamook, OR
Audience: 5th and 6th grade educators, formal and non-formal
Curriculum:
- Project Learning Tree PreK-8 Guide
- Aquatic WILD
Are you a fifth or sixth-grade teacher whose students will attend Outdoor School? Would you like to strengthen the concepts your students learn at Outdoor School? Here is a free workshop for you!
What you will get:
- Methods and strategies to enhance and extend students’ Outdoor School experiences.
- Content knowledge, skills, and materials needed to develop and use natural-resources-based lessons that are aligned with outdoor school curricula, state standards, and statewide environmental literacy programs.
- Lessons that can be used in the field or the classroom, before or after Outdoor School.
- PLT and Aquatic WILD curricula included at no cost with attendance.
- Oregon State University Outdoor School specialists available as a resource
Register here
This workshop was rescheduled from March 1st to April 10th to May 8th, 2019.