Outdoor School is learning through experience and exploration! Our goal is to cultivate lifelong stewardship of public lands in Alaska through place-based education. Outdoor School is a 2-day, immersive school experience, for 5th graders within the Anchorage School District. Students spend two full school days in their nearest local park learning outdoor skills, recreation activities, history, science, and social-emotional skills. Currently programs are held for 6 weeks in the fall and 6 weeks in the spring, serving over 700 students.
Learning outside not only helps to develop an appreciation for Alaska’s public lands and natural resources, but reaches beyond the boundaries of
a classroom. Study after study shows the mental and physical benefits of being outside are nothing but positive for our mental health. Studies also show the outdoor learning can reduce anxiety, stress, and increase attention and engagement which can continue when they return indoors.
Contact Us:
Meredith Gutierrez, Youth Engagement Manager
(Direct) 907.351.0055
meredith@anchorageparkfoundation.org
Our Partners:
The Outdoor School program is a collaboration between more than a dozen state, local, and federal organizations including the Anchorage Park Foundation, Anchorage Waterways Council, Alaska Fish & Game, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage Museum, UAA, National Park Service, US Forest Service, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, Bureau Land Management: Campbell Creek Science Center, Project Learning Tree, ConocoPhillips Alaska, Alaska Pacific University, the Anchorage School District Health and Physical Education Department, and multiple community volunteers.
Outdoor School Scholarship Fund
Scholarships cover per student program costs and are offered to Title 1 Anchorage public schools enabling up to 6 schools per year to participate in Outdoor School at no cost to the school or students. Thank you for helping Anchorage youth understand our natural resources.
