Discover the magic of nature with Coyote Outdoor School

Coyote Outdoor School (COS) is an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature! Presented by Whole Earth Nature School, a trusted nature-based youth program with over 12 years of experience, Coyote Outdoor School is designed to foster a deep connection to self, community, and the land. We pride ourselves on offering a transformative experience for fifth- and sixth-grade students through immersive and experiential land-based education.

View our program offerings in our Teacher and Administrator Guide
Schools and Districts: Start the sign-up process for your fifth or sixth graders!

What Sets us apart? 

At Coyote Outdoor School, we provide personalized attention and optimized learning environments through training our staff in trauma-informed care, somatic mindfulness, and inclusive educational practices. Through a curriculum embedded with Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) concepts and our highly-trained team, we strive to meet the unique behavioral needs of today’s students to optimize their learning and foster prosocial behaviors for the classroom. 

Our specially designed curriculum infuses wildcraft skills, evidence-based outdoor education pedagogy, and critical reflections of Indigenous education while meeting Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

 

Coyote Outdoor School services include:

  • Full-service coordination of Outdoor School program, including curriculum development, instruction, meals, lodging, training, and on-site logistics
    • School districts coordinate and pay for student transportation and teacher stipends; everything else is covered in our per student price
  • Assurance that our program prices will receive 100% state funding approved by OSU Extension for schools that qualify
  • Advice regarding Oregon State Outdoor School policies and state funding requirements
  • Overnight and day-only Outdoor School programs, ranging from 3 to 5 days
  • Student-centered, nature-centered programming that enhances student awareness, curiosity, leadership, and critical thinking
  • Hands-on experiential curriculum that meets common core and next generation science standards
  • Accessible programming for students of all backgrounds, including providing leading-edge trauma-informed and culturally responsive instruction

See Services & Deliverables for the complete list of services we provide.

 

Impacts of Coyote Outdoor School

We know from research on residential outdoor education programs that Outdoor School fosters student growth, confidence, and nature connection. Many students who struggle in traditional learning environments excel in experiential learning at Coyote Outdoor School. Students leave Coyote Outdoor School feeling more comfortable outdoors and ready to take on new challenges. They return to school with a greater enthusiasm to learn and a better ability to apply science to real-world situations. Teachers appreciate the opportunity to engage with their students at Outdoor School rather than leading lessons and focusing on logistics.