Outdoor School is a life-changing experience for students, providing them with the chance to learn about nature, themselves, and each other. Learn more here.

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Outdoor School 2024-25 is almost full!
If you are interested in joining us for a transformative Outdoor School experience, please reach out to OEC Assistant Director, Kelsey Mazur.

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Information for Teachers & Schools:

The complete Planning Guide for Outdoor School is available here. Or download what you need below:

Outdoor School Curriculum Guide - UPDATED 2024!

Sample Outdoor School Schedules

Outdoor School Program Information Form - please complete 3 weeks prior to your Outdoor School visit (or download a pdf)

Outdoor School - COVID-19 Policies

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Information for Parents & Guardians:

Outdoor School - Suggested Packing List

Outdoor School - Student Forms

Outdoor School - Campstore Order Form

Outdoor School - Planning Guide for Parents, Guardians, & Students

(pg 21-30 of Teacher's Planning Guide)

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Information for Students:

Social Story to prepare students for their Outdoor School Experience

Welcome Video

Letter for Students

Additional Resources

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Joining us for a Day Program?

Download the complete Day Program Planning Packet

Day Program - Student Forms

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Glen Helen Outdoor School Program Overview

Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center offers transformative learning experiences that engage learners in the practices of sciences; promote self-discovery and growth; cultivate community; and create a connection to our natural world. We have provided residential environmental science learning and summer camps for students all across southern Ohio since 1956.

 

Glen Helen Outdoor Education Center's Outdoor School is designed to engage students grades 4 - 7 in environmental education, intentional social emotional learning, and a life-changing experience in nature. 

 

Each day of our residential program, small student groups adventure into our 1000+ acre nature preserve to immerse themselves in hands-on science learning led by our dedicated Naturalist Teachers. They explore, investigate, and learn about the environment and how to protect it. Lesson hikes are aligned to the Ohio Content Standards to complement classroom learning; themes include: forest ecology, birds, geology, ecosystems, stream investigations, animal adaptations, environmental problem solving, and teamwork & cooperation - check out our Curriculum Guide for a full catalog of options! 

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Along with structured lessons, students eat meals together, visit the onsite Raptor Center, meet reptile animal ambassadors, enjoy afternoon activities and evening programs, and explore the nocturnal world on a night hike!

 

Before schools arrive at the Glen, we work closely with teachers to design a program that is appropriate for their particular group of students. We also work to ensure classroom learning objectives are central to the experience provided at Outdoor School. Naturalists facilitate instruction with the students out on the trails, while teachers provide behavior management support, and supervise students during dorm time.

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3-Day, 2-Night Outdoor School program experience includes 4 structured lesson hikes, 2 evening programs including a night hike, 3 meals per day, and lodging in one of our student dormitories! The 2024-25 program fee  is $130 / student. 

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4-Day, 3-Night Outdoor School program experience includes 6 structured lesson hikes, 3 evening programs including a night hike, 3 meals per day, and lodging in one of our student dormitories! The 2024-25 program fee is $160 / student.