Purpose of the proposal: Our need is the continued funding of outdoor education program. This program includes multiple (2-4) outdoor education field trips for each class to the “school forest” and other sites near Birchwood. 

Who: The program impacts and benefits all students in all grades within the Birchwood Schools. The program also partners with every teacher and many paraprofessionals.

Major benefits: The goal of Get Out There is to introduce students to the safe and ethical use of the outdoors through conservation, outdoor education, and recreation as we have done for the past ten years. The program provides positive public relations for the school and the Educational Foundation of Birchwood.

“Innovate for the future”: Students who thrive in the outdoor setting are able to bring those skills that were gained into a classroom and promote better academic performance along with a lifelong hobby. Our program is also expanding year after year with new field trips and experiences that incorporate more students and faculty.

“Explore possibilities” and “Inspire learners and educators”: To promote and encourage creative learning by using the outdoors as an educational medium for students. We find that students who may not often thrive in the classroom are usually the leaders while outdoors. Many students in the Birchwood district also lack access to the wealth of outdoor recreational resources surrounding and permeating our community. Our program allows access for students to try new things that can become a lifelong hobby.

“Engage community”: The goal is that students will find possible jobs or hobbies in the outdoor field. These students can grow up to work in these needed fields or lead recreation or conservation organizations. At a minimum, we hope that students will be interested in the outdoor opportunities around Birchwood and desire to move back here to start new businesses or work at jobs in the area.