Friends of Outdoor School

Thank you Outdoor School! In my 31 years with Portland Public Schools, I have yet to see any organization do so much with so little for so many people. Nothing comes close.

—parent of a high school Student Leader
Friends of Outdoor School

Established in 2003, Friends of Outdoor School (FOODS) is committed to preserving the Outdoor School experience for all sixth grade and high school students regardless of a student’s income, ability, experience, or family background. FOODS has developed hundreds of community partnerships with local foundations, individuals, businesses and nonprofits to contribute millions of dollars to send students to Outdoor School.

Part of our local heritage, Outdoor School is the first exposure many students have to the natural environment. At Outdoor School, each middle school class spends a week at one of our residential forest sites, immersed in hands-on science exploration and discovery of the natural environment of the Pacific Northwest, learning about plants, animals, water and soil by engaging with the world around them. High school students volunteer each year as “Student Leaders” leading field study activities and living groups, creating a unique cross-age educational and cultural experience. At Outdoor School, students work together to create their own community, discover their own personal gifts, make lasting friendships, and become lifelong advocates of the Northwest's natural resources.

Numerous academic studies over the years have shown that experiential learning – getting students out of their desks, interacting with each other, and using their own senses – is vital in generating a passion for knowledge within each student. Because of Outdoor School, hundreds of thousands of Oregonians have experienced the wonder of nature, and learned to value the treasures that a healthy environment provides.