We work collaboratively with a number of key implementation & programmatic partners to ensure as many OUSD students as possible have access to meaningful outdoor experiences both during and beyond school hours, with trusted adult leaders and their peers.

Our program addresses common barriers including cost, transportation, appropriate gear, skilled guides and inclusive programming by providing:

• Funding support for trip expenses, including transportation & gear

• Outdoor skills training & additional professional development for teachers

• Curriculum & grade level activities support

• Stipends for teachers/site leads

• Centralized coordination between schools, trip locations and service provider partners.

Trips are coordinated at the grade, classroom and club level, ranging in size from 10 students to 120 students.

Schools typically offer both day and overnight trip opportunities throughout the school year. Most overnight trips have been 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night trips to locations within a 50-mile radius from Oakland.

Trips are integrated into the school day and schedule, with leaders comprised primarily of teachers, school administrative staff, after-school program teams, and other volunteers.

Our program allows each school site to select and design trips that align best with their academic and student needs/interests. This flexibility in structure reflects the diverse needs within a large public school district. This has resulted in dozens of trip locations and corresponding programmatic offerings.

All trips have three main priorities:

• Engagement with the outdoors

• Science and observation skills

• Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and reflection

There are a number of academic and curricular tie-ins with various destinations. For example, many 7th grade classes visit Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve as an extension of their Earth Science unit.

In addition to curriculum-based activities and learnings, students also engage in a wide range of outdoor skills-building activities, including hiking, camping, sailing, kayaking, rafting, rock climbing, lava trekking, tide pooling and snowshoeing.