C.O. groups join effort to preserve Outdoor School

The effort to save Outdoor School has garnered support from some significant Central Oregon organizations and officials lately, supporters said Monday

The Oregon Outdoor Alliance (OOA), a Bend-based organization with a mission to connect and cultivate Oregon’s outdoor industry, has officially endorsed the effort. The OOA’s support for Outdoor School is in recognition that instilling a greater understanding and appreciation for the natural world among children is critical to the future of the industry.

Deschutes Land Trust, a nonprofit that conserves and protects land in Central Oregon, also has endorsed Outdoor School for All. The organization stated that supporting Outdoor School is “essential to the long-term success of our work” and recognizes the need for “a next generation that understands our natural resources and how to care for them.”

Other major Central Oregon businesses that come out in support of the campaign include Ochoco Lumber and Hydroflask.

Additionally, the Bend City Council has issued an official city proclamation signed by Mayor Jim Clinton in support of providing lasting state funding for outdoor education, stating, “the Outdoor School program results in…academic achievement, increased student engagement, self-sufficiency, leadership skills, improved retention, attendance and behavior, as well as growth in academic, social and reasoning skills.”

The proclamation also supports the establishment of a permanent, equitable and sustainable source of annual funding to provide all Oregon fifth or sixth graders with a six-day, residential, hands-on outdoor educational experience or its equivalent.

About Outdoor School for All

Outdoor School for All is a statewide, grassroots initiative working to ensure the future of Outdoor School by seeking to put its fate in the hands of Oregon voters. Outdoor School, a beloved outdoor education program with a long history in the state, has been cut drastically due to lack of statewide funding. Campaign organizers must gather 125,000 signatures by July 2016 in order to get it on the ballot.

If the campaign is successful, voters will get the opportunity to decide whether to dedicate full, permanent funding for Outdoor School, using $22 million per year of Oregon Lottery funds to support outdoor school programs and outdoor education throughout the state. If the measure passes, funding to qualified programs could be available as early as mid-2017. For background and additional information, visit http://www.outdoorschoolforall.org