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Outdoor School
11611 NE Ainsworth Circle
Portland
97220

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Student Leaders

The welcoming and inclusive environment at ODS made it easy to be myself, and I had so much fun every day. -Boots
The experience is unique to everyone, but has helped me learn patience more than anything. -Bean
Field study has truly allowed me to grow confidence in leading a group through a lesson and stepping out of my comfort zone. -Cheerio
It felt like a whole other world where the main goal wasn't to be the best teacher but the best learner and observer. -Magnolia
We are given the opportunity to spend a week outdoors, away from technology, surrounded by people who value real connection. -Marigold
No one knows who you are, but everyone assumes the best of you [—it] gives you a chance to be the best version of yourself -Reed
Interacting with these sixth graders is the most simultaneously exhausting and rewarding thing out there. -Onions
Outdoor School found a person inside of me that I wouldn't have otherwise found. -Lemon
I love the other SL's and making new friends. I still talk to quite a few SL's that I worked with in the spring. -Dr. Pepper
I have gained confidence approaching the world and its difficulties with curiosity, silliness, and integrity. -Badger
Outdoor school is a place where one small thing, perhaps done for just one person, can actually make a huge impact. -Pluto
It is rewarding to see kids experience themselves in an environment that they didn't know they had access to. -Hammerhead
Outdoor School has made me more comfortable with public speaking and made me more confident in general - Mariposa
Now, when someone is left out, I make the effort to invite them in. When I notice someone take a risk, I make sure to praise them for it. -Dice
ODS offers you the chance to be away from whatever is going on in your life and just be in nature. -StormSpider
A student leader gets a fun week in nature that includes a lot of growth and learning opportunities. -Alpine
I am honored that I have gained such an amazing experience [at] outdoor school and wish for other people to experience this joy too -Chip
Outdoor school has taught me how to reach out and become friends with all the new faces you will see. -Halo
I was incredibly nervous but after the first hour, I was fully enveloped in the magic and whimsical nature of outdoor school - Rocket
You get to make such a positive impact on the lives of 6th graders, and have fun with your own friends while doing it. -Santa
I have learned a lot about myself through this program and have grown into a person I'm proud of. -Marsh
Helping kids like me learn while moving, fidgeting, breathing fresh air, and playing with sticks has made me want to become a teacher. -Radish
I made lifelong friends and learned about science. Outdoor School is an experience that I wouldn't trade for the world. -Cherry
ODS has taught me to model my principles through words and actions, and given me a place to be a leader in my community. -Blueberry
Being a Student Leader isn't just about teaching. It's about building connections and making a positive impact on the 6th graders. -Chickadee
I gained so many skills because of outdoor school like patience, empathy, communication, and problem solving. -Cherry

Decide to participate

If you're not sure, go ahead and register for the training workshop. You can participate in the training and let us know at the end whether you think Outdoor School is a good fit for you!

Criteria for Participation

10 Reasons to Participate

Parents of SLs

Student Leader Recruiters

Get Signed Up for ODS

Register for the overnight training workshop using the online form! Registration for Fall opens in August, and registration for Spring opens in January. If you can't make it, makeup workshops are available!

Register for Workshop

About the SL Workshop

Makeup Workshop Options

Workshop Bus Schedules

Get Ready for Your Week

Check your schedule and make sure you can attend your assigned week. If you need to change, just let us know! Get your forms signed by your teachers, guidance counselor, and a parent / guardian.

Weekly Bus Schedules

Evaluation Rubric

Social Media Guidelines

Special Needs Volunteers

Outdoor School Student Leaders become a rare combination of doctor, lawyer, sociologist, and teacher. On site, they are competent child psychologists with their sophomore text books as proof. They are strict disciplinarians with twinkles in their eyes. They must be skilled referees, baby-sitters, teachers, friends, advisors and scientists. The Outdoor School Student Leader is a humorist in a time of crisis, an arbitrator in a time of conflict and a leader in a time of confusion. They are idols with their heads in a cloud of campfire smoke and their feet in the mud.

For all of this they are paid with an overload of missed schoolwork, a bundle of soiled clothes, and a state of exhaustion. You wonder how they can stand the pace and the pressure. You wonder if they know how great they really are. And somehow, you realize you can never thank them enough when, as they leave at the end of the week, they wave good-bye and say, "See ya next session!"
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So, are you still interested in spending a week outdoors enlightening sixth grade students? Please review the resources above to ensure you are fully prepared.