Welcome to Outdoor Education!

At Coulee Connections, outdoor education is an essential part of our learning process. Through years of trial and error, we have developed an immense outdoor education curriculum base that we follow throughout the school year. Some of these topics are specifically designed to aid students in their preparation for expeditions, but it is not exclusive to this cause. Research shows that outdoor education is extremely complementary to students’ academic learning. 

At Coulee, we place a huge emphasis on learning within the “group.”  Children are often more motivated to work together in groups outdoors, and therefore can help children develop the ability to cooperate, communicate, and manage conflict- both internal and external. Outdoor learning can help children develop resilience and adaptability as they face new challenges. Since the dawn of man, the outdoors has provided human beings with natural, raw challenges. By working through these challenges alongside the group and caregivers, students develop a strong sense of self, confidence with themselves and others, and master specific outdoor topics. In the new world of technology and video games, the outdoors is essential in helping children overcome sedentary lifestyles by providing opportunities for exercise and fresh air. Through our Leave No Trace curriculum can help children learn about the importance of sustainability and conservation that translate not only to the outdoors, but home and school life as well!

This quarter in the outdoors, students will engage in various outdoor topics, such as Leave No Trace, Geocaching, Hiking/Mindfulness, and will be capped off by a hands-on project in which students will create a diorama of a local natural area!