Essential Education Outside
Whether called outdoor schools or environmental education centers, Washington state has a long history of providing essential outdoor education experiences for school students. One of the state's first programs began back in the 1930s! Since that time, more than 20 organizations have formed, including two boat-based programs, that now provide multi-day programs for thousands of kids each year. Yet, only about 50% of Washington students benefit from this incredible opportunity.
We believe all Washington students deserve a week in nature! Come join us to envision the future!
Mission:
Outdoor Schools Washington makes possible overnight outdoor education experiences for each and every child in Washington, so they may create relationships with others and connections with the natural world through curiosity, exploration, and science.
Vision:
We take the charge to help revitalize outdoor schools in Washington seriously. We pursue this work to honor our Indigenous Family, who have cared for the lands and waters since time immemorial. We pursue this work to honor the visionaries of the 20th century, who saw outdoor schools for what they are: a vital experience for all children of Washington. We pursue this work to honor our state, so Washington may retrain its natural beauty for today and future generations. Finally, we pursue this work to honor our children. May our collective decisions and actions demonstrate Washington State’s deep devotion to their future livelihoods and well-being.
About Washington School Principals’ Education Foundation:
In 1982, AWSP created the Washington School Principals' Education Foundation (WSPEF), a nonprofit foundation that oversees student leadership activities, an outdoor learning center and professional development services. WPSEF is governed by a board of directors made up of active and retired principals. We serve all schools in Washington.
We believe children at all grade levels have potential to become leaders in their neighborhoods, schools, and communities. Through social/emotional learning and STEAM, we approach the needs of the whole child, striving to support and improve their growth in the social and academic domains.
Time spent in the out-of-doors at our Cispus Learning Center connects children with the environment, helping them develop the mindset of stewardship and conservation. As students learn about their place in the natural world, they also discover a future for themselves, as advocates, organizers, and those who find their life’s calling in environmental work.
Our practices are planned, implemented, and evaluated through the lenses of justice, equity, and inclusion. Just as diversity is an indicator of environmental health, it is how we judge our organization’s health as well.
At the Association of Washington School Leaders (AWSL), we are purposeful in our development of students as leaders, helping them to find the power of their voices. We encourage and support them, as they become influences for good in their communities, their cultures, and ultimately, the world.
About the Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP):
The Association of Washington School Principals (AWSP) is a professional association serving principals and assistant principals. Its mission is to support principals and the principalship in the education of all students. AWSP is committed to provide student leadership opportunities that support and increase the academic and social success of all students.