Outdoor Education Information for Famlies

Mountain Roots offers quality Outdoor Education programs across Western North Carolina. We formed in 2009 and have been serving thousands of young people each year through our Outdoor Education programs with schools and local summer day camps. This year we will be partnering with your school to provide Outdoor Education opportunities that bring science to life by hands-on activities both at school and on field trips to local public lands.

  • Student-centered learning: Programs are experiential, inquiry-based, and designed to support classroom learning.

  • Trained instructors: Mountain Roots educators are experienced outdoor professionals who prioritize safety, inclusion, and curiosity.

  • Time outdoors: Students spend meaningful time learning outside—building confidence, connection, and stewardship.

  • Accessibility & inclusion: We strive to ensure all students can participate, regardless of background or experience.

  • Weather-appropriate clothing (layers recommended)

  • Closed-toe shoes suitable for walking outdoors

  • Water bottle

  • Any items requested by the classroom teacher or lead staff member

Programs run rain or shine unless conditions are unsafe.

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Safety & Supervision

  • Programs follow clear risk-management protocols and age-appropriate activities.

  • Instructors carry required certifications and first-aid supplies.

  • School and/or partner staff remain present and support supervision during programs.

Permission & Communication

  • Schools and/or partner organizations will share permission forms and logistics directly with families.
  • Please reach out to your child’s teacher or lead staff member with questions about schedules or transportation.
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Additional Information for Henderson County Public Schools (HCPS) Families

This year, Mountain Roots will provide 4 half-day On-site programs, and 2 full-day field trips to local public lands for the 5th graders of Henderson County. We are working closely with your school’s teachers and administrators so that each one of our activities correlates directly to the local 5th grade curriculum in a timely manner. Your student will have the opportunity to learn about things like Terrestrial & Aquatic Ecosystems, Weather, Forces and Motion, Matter, and throughout the entire year, they will work closely with the Scientific Inquiry Process to observe and explore the natural world of western North Carolina!

Our On-site programs are planning to proceed as scheduled even in the event of rainy weather. We will use covered areas on the various schoolyards, and can run some of our rainy-day options out of the classroom if need be. We have set aside rain-dates for our Field trips and will make the call in collaboration with HCPS on a program-by-program basis. 

● Appropriate clothing for weather (including a rain jacket / warm layers)
● Comfortable shoes for walking (Close-toed shoes required. No dress shoes or Crocs).
● A water bottle
● A lunch (for off-site field trips only)
● Their Mountain Roots Journal (will be given at first onsite class)
● 2 sharpened pencils
● Backpack
We are excited to offer the enriching experience of learning in the great outdoors to the 5th graders of Henderson County!