Outdoor School News
〰️
Outdoor School News 〰️
Latest News & Updates:
Stories From Washington's Outdoor Education Community
Follow the people, programs, partnerships, and experiences that demonstrate what outdoor education looks like in practice — and why these opportunities matter to young people.
WOSC & PARTNER UPDATESA Student Perspective: Finding Space Away From ScreensNatureBridge's 2026 Student of the Year, Milin Sekhon, describes how an outdoor education experience gave him a rare opportunity to step away from social media, constant notifications, and the pressures of technology.
His story captures something increasingly important for young people: the value of having time and space to disconnect, reflect, build curiosity, and reconnect with themselves and the natural world.
Decisions Affecting Outdoor Education in Washington
State budgets and policy decisions have a direct impact on whether schools and families can afford outdoor education.
We'll use this section to track important developments in Olympia, including the state budget, legislation, agency decisions, and the broader debate over investment in Washington's students and schools.
OLYMPIA UPDATESOutdoor School Programs Face the Impact of State Funding Cuts
The elimination of state support for outdoor education has forced schools, families, and providers to confront difficult choices about how — and whether — students will continue to participate.
The funding loss has particular consequences for schools and families that do not have the resources to replace public support through fees or private fundraising.
OLYMPIA UPDATESWashington Voters Express Concern About Education Cuts
A statewide Civic Heartbeat survey conducted by Emerson College Polling for the Northwest Progressive Institute found that 55% of likely 2026 voters surveyed disapproved of education funding cuts made in the 2026 supplemental budget, compared with 29% who approved.
The findings reflect broader concern about reducing investments in educational opportunities at a time when schools and families are already facing significant financial pressures.
Outdoor Education News:
Research, Media & Stories Worth Reading
Outdoor education sits at the intersection of some of the most important challenges facing young people today — including mental health, social connection, excessive screen time, educational opportunity, and equitable access to meaningful learning experiences.
Here are some of the stories and perspectives shaping that conversation.
After Funding Cuts, Families Try to Save Outdoor School
When public funding disappears, the cost of outdoor school doesn't disappear with it.
This Seattle Times story looks at families trying to raise money to preserve class trips after Washington eliminated funding for outdoor education — illustrating how quickly access can begin to depend on a family's school, community, and ability to pay.
Washington Outdoor Schools Reel From State Funding Cuts
The Washington State Standard examines the statewide impact of the elimination of outdoor school funding and the challenges facing providers and schools as they work to preserve student access.
The story highlights the particular risk to students and communities that face the greatest financial barriers to participating without public support.
Outdoor Learning and the Youth Mental Health Crisis
This commentary explores the growing bipartisan interest in outdoor experiences as one potential response to the mental health and social challenges facing young people.
It highlights a central question for policymakers and educators: as children spend more time on screens and report growing levels of isolation and stress, how can schools create more opportunities for connection, confidence, independence, and time outdoors?
Funding Cuts Threaten Equitable Access to Overnight Outdoor Learning
Cascadia Daily News looks at how the loss of state funding could make overnight outdoor education inaccessible for some Washington students.
The story underscores one of the central challenges facing outdoor education today: without public investment, opportunities that were designed to reach students across income levels and communities can once again become dependent on local resources and families' ability to pay.