“Friends of Outdoor School carries the passion for Outdoor School in our communities: protecting and promoting this unique and valuable educational program before decision-makers, networking all partners in the program for positive change, and finding innovative funding solutions for participants.” 

—John Donovan, volunteer, Senior VP of External Affairs and Constituent Relationships, Trillium Family Services

Our Vision

Outdoor School is a place where every child can belong.

Our Mission

Friends of Outdoor School’s purpose is to connect, support, and advocate for all of Oregon’s diverse students to learn at inclusive and accessible Outdoor School programs that contribute to educational development, inspire youth, promote personal growth, and embrace justice.

How We Do It

We accomplish our mission through advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. Friends of ODS is the key connection between Outdoor School and the larger community of individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that support Outdoor School programming. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.

Our History

Created from a grassroots movement in 2003 to save the MESD Outdoor School program for Portland Public Schools, Friends of ODS has grown to become the lead organization in Oregon supporting Outdoor School.

In 2015, Friends of ODS helped to pass Oregon Senate Bill 439, which established the first-ever statewide Outdoor School program, administered by Oregon State University Extension.

In 2016, we established and led a coalition (the Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition) to secure state funding for a week of Outdoor School for all fifth- or sixth-grade students in Oregon via a citizens’ initiative, Ballot Measure 99.  In 2019, Friends of ODS led the advocacy to secure the full $46.8 million in Measure 99 funding.

Friends of ODS manages the statewide Outdoor School networks. Our networks work together to:

• Promote equitable access to Outdoor School

• Identify and remove barriers to participation in Outdoor School

• Champion Outdoor School to decision-makers throughout the state

• Examine the impact of Outdoor School on students

• Tackle problems and capture opportunities as they arise

• Advocate for state funding for Oregon students to attend Outdoor School

Together, we work so that ALL Oregon students may attend a week of Outdoor School.

Join us!