Getting Kids Outside
Today, only 26% of kids play outside, and that percentage continues to decrease. However, direct contact with nature is important to social, physical, emotional, and intellectual development. Each year, our programs help more than 400 youth learn about this amazing place and connect to the outdoors. Studies have shown that hands-on, outside learning works; local schools' state science scores have increased since we started these programs. Get involved today with our youth programs and see for yourself how much they can help!
Our Programs
We provide outside learning opportunities for schools and after school that incorporate visual, auditory, and kinesthetic processes. Youth participate in hands-on learning and research, teaching them critical thinking skills. Our programs include:
School Programs
- Outdoor School for 4-6th grade (OWL)
- Watershed Monitoring for high school students (WET)
After School & Summer Programs
- Friday Science Adventures for 5-8th grade (Friday WREN)
- Summer Teen Backpacking for teens (WREN Backpacking)
- Summer Teen Camping for 6-7th graders (WREN Camping)
- Summer Youth Camps for 2nd-5th grade (WREN Explorers)
- Paid High School Internships for 11-12th grade (HAWK)
Engaging Kids with the Outside World
Our youth programs engage kids by using Wallowa County's varied landscape as our ‘living’ classroom. When youth actually walk the land as they learn about it, it plants the seed of stewardship. Our goals are:
- Increase science literacy and achievement
- Promote a sense of place and stewardship
- Educate upcoming generations of land stewards, decision makers, and community leaders