SL Workshop Training

The Student Leader Workshop will take place at the Outdoor School site you originally registered for. If you marked "any" or you can't remember, contact the Outdoor School office and we can look up your registration! If you would like to switch sites, you may do so up to a week before the overnight workshop. We can accommodate your request only if there is space available. 

(503) 257-1600
outdoorschool@mesd.k12.or.us. 

If you have prior family, academic, or extra-curricular commitments, there are alternate workshop options available. If you attend an alternate workshop after the regular workshop, your site selection will be limited to the spaces remaining.

At the workshop, you will meet the staff, become familiar with the site, and learn some of the skills necessary to become an effective leader. You will also be assigned to a field study and practice teaching skills while familiarizing yourself with the lessons. Please bring paper and pencil to take notes.

Outdoor School is considered part of school, and is approved by all public high schools in Multnomah County. Your school's rules (as well as all state and federal laws) apply and will be enforced while you are at Outdoor School. Specifically: sex is forbidden, as is the use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco / nicotine / vape products. Violation of these rules will result in immediate removal from the Outdoor School program, and your school will be notified. If you cannot live with these rules, please don't come.

There is no cost for the overnight workshop or for bus transportation. You will be working outside; please wear comfortable / casual clothes, and prepare for the weather (sturdy shoes, sweater, rain jacket, hat, warm socks, etc.).

You will be staying overnight; please bring sleeping bag, pillow, and personal effects. If you do not have any of the above items, please contact the ODS office — we have items you can borrow. A flashlight is recommended. Please do not bring valuable items.

Outdoor School Gear Library

Bus transportation is provided.

If your school isn't listed, feel free to catch the bus at a different school on the schedule. The workshop begins as soon as you get on the first bus, and ends after you get off the bus at your high school on Saturday. We expect your behavior during registration, in the parking lot, and on the bus to be polite and courteous at all times, in keeping with school and bus rules.

Bus Schedules

At the workshop you will identify weeks you are available to participate, and weeks you are not available to participate. You will not be assigned to a week you mark as "not available."

Outdoor School weeks typically run Sunday - Friday, beginning a week after the workshop. Fall runs for 5-7 weeks and spring runs for 7-10 weeks.

Please arrive at the workshop with a good sense of your personal schedule including exams, sports events, performances, family commitments, etc. Once you have been assigned to a week, it can be difficult to switch.