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 2023-2024 school year!
Spring is fully booked. Ready to book for Fall 2024? Please complete this interest form or contact us at (503)892-2782, ext. 2 or outdoorschool@opalcreek.org.
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.
Overnight Outdoor School
Overnight outdoor school is held at Silver Falls State Park's Camp Silver Creek in Sublimity, Oregon. Included in overnight outdoor school: a parent night presentation at your school, multi-day and evening instruction at Camp Silver Creek with lodging and all meals, and a one hour post-visit.
Day Outdoor School
Day outdoor school will be held at various locations within Silver Falls State Park in Sublimity, Oregon. Included in day outdoor school: a parent night presentation at your school, multiple five to eight hour days of instruction at Silver Falls State Park, and a one hour post-visit. Meals are not provided for day programs.
Pricing & Funding
2023-2024 academic year tuition is based on Oregon State University (OSU)'s Extension Service: Outdoor School's baseline funding. We charge 100% of OSU's baseline funding for overnight and day outdoor school:
- 3-day, 2-night outdoor school: $444 per student
- 4-day, 3-night outdoor school: $624 per student
- 5-day, 4-night outdoor school: $750 per student
- 3-day in-person outdoor school (no overnight): $329 per student
Teachers, high school leaders, and chaperones attend at no cost at a ratio one adult/high schooler for every five to ten students.
Looking for a shorter program? Contact us about availability and pricing.
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. Learn more about the funding process and timeline at 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.
Scholarships Available!
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.
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.
