Bringing Outdoor Learning to Schools
Outdoor Education Overview
Mountain Roots Outdoor Education programs provide an opportunity for students to reach outside the classroom and engage in nature-based science education as well as social emotional learning throughout the entire school year. Mountain Roots facilitates “Outdoor Ed” experiences that connect K-8 students (some high school programming as well) to the outdoor spaces in their schoolyards & backyards. Our programs provide intentional standards-integrated opportunities for students to learn in an experiential way during their school day. Mountain Roots incorporates an interdisciplinary curriculum that enhances classroom learning and incorporates exploration and active play into every lesson. We partner with schools and districts to design the best experience possible for them. Topics may include (but are not limited to) the following:
Environmental Education
- Forest ecology
- Aquatic ecosystems / Watersheds
- Geology / Rock Cycle
- Habitat / Forest Community / Web of Life
- Water Cycle / Weather
- Wildlife native to North Carolina
- Insects
- Plants / Trees
- Stewardship & Sustainability
- Cycles of the natural world (rock, water, etc.)
- School gardens
TLC- Team building, Leadership, And Character Development
- Group dynamics team building activities
- Leadership development activities (especially for older students)
- Trust activities
- Communication activities
- Conflict resolution
- Decision making
- Sense of Self--Discovering individual strengths and interests
- Group building projects (STEM focused)
- Sense of Place lessons, Wilderness ethics, & Leave No Trace
- Survival / Wilderness Skills
Fee Structure for '25-'26
- Half-Day Schoolyard Programming (2-2.5 hours, $12/student)
- Full-Day Field Trips to local public and conserved lands (4-4.5 hours, $30/student)
One-time programs are an option for any grade / school that would like to participate. Pricing depends on the length of the program and how many grades / schools are served.
Weekly options are also available (i.e. offering Mountain Roots Outdoor Education as a “Specials class” for your students) (pricing ranges from $300-350 per day for up to five 50 minute classes per day-when offered on a regular basis)
Customized Outdoor Education for Your School
At Mountain Roots, we collaborate closely with schools to create tailored outdoor learning experiences that meet their unique needs. Schools have the flexibility to select the grade levels, the number of hour-long sessions, and the specific lessons that align with their curriculum. Together, we ensure that every program is a perfect fit for your school’s goals and students.
Please Note: It is Mountain Roots’ policy that a teacher or assistant teacher (or other qualified school volunteer) is required to be present with each activity group.