Because nature is the best classroom
Our outdoor school program focuses on cultivating an awareness and relationship with nature. We know that when young people are given the opportunity to explore independently and ask questions about what they see, they become more invested in learning and caring for the natural world.
We teach about the land by learning from the land. We teach science by doing science. Field studies and hands-on activities bring students into contact with an astonishing variety of plants, fungi, lichen, macro-invertebrates, and amphibians. With one guide per 10 to 15 students, small groups of students can drive their own learning and let their curiosity run wild. Our professional outdoor educators are trained in a variety of teaching methods and maintain active Wilderness First Responder certifications. Our curriculum is revised regularly with guidance from Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, The BEETLES Project, and The Avarna Group and is in alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).
We invite all ages, first grade to adult, to our programs. Teachers, you'll work with our staff to select curriculum and learning levels that best suit your class.
Booking Outdoor School
Are you looking for in-person outdoor learning opportunities for your students? We're thrilled to provide overnight and day outdoor school programming for the 2024-2025 academic year! To begin the registration process, please select 'Register Now' to view offerings, select 'Details and Registration' for the offering of your choice, and complete a short (~5 to 10 minute) Interest Form for that offering. Registration is first come, first serve.
REGISTER NOW
Upon confirmation, you'll be required to pay a 25% deposit for your anticipated student numbers. This deposit is fully refundable up to 90 days before your program date. Please review our Overnight Outdoor School Reservation Contract and/or Day Outdoor School Reservation Contract prior to booking.
Funding and Scholarships Available!
5th & 6th grade public school: You are eligible for state funding through Oregon's Outdoor School for All Campaign. Applications must be submitted at the district level. Our tuition is 100% reimbursable through Oregon State Univerity's Extension Service: Outdoor School.
Not public 5th or 6th grade? Funding is available through the Gray Family Foundation for schools and grades not eligible for state funding. 5th and 6th grade private and home schools and may have the option to dually enroll students in their local public school district in order to be eligible for state funding.
We at Opal Creek Ancient Forest Center know that historical and current barriers keep many non-5th & 6th grade students from attending outdoor school. Through our new scholarship program, we are working to introduce more students to the wonders of outdoor school.
Eligibility: We offer a 30% reduction in tuition for schools that are not eligible for state funding from Oregon State University (i.e. not public 5th or 6th grade), and meet either/both of the following criteria:
- 40% or greater student minority population
- 40% or greater student low-income population
If your school meets any of the above criteria, contact us (503)892-2782, ext. 2 or outdoorschool@opalcreek.org to discuss our scholarship program.
Location
Our classroom will be the forests, creeks, and waterfalls of Silver Falls State Park, the crown jewel of the Oregon State Parks system and the ancestral home of the Kalapuya and Molalla Tribes. All outdoor school programs operate out of a basecamp, either Camp Silver Creek or the Davidson Ranch, with the last day at the popular South Falls Day Use Area.
High School Leader Program
Our High School Leader program is a vital part of Outdoor School. The High School Leaders are recruited from the same school district as your student’s school, and they assist the Outdoor School Guides, and also stay in the cabins overnight with the students to supervise them. Some schools choose not to have High School Leaders stay in the cabins with students, and in these cases adult chaperones stay in student cabins to supervise them overnight.
If you are interested in becoming a High School Leader, please complete this interest form.
