A new state-wide program will help more Minnesota students learn outside. It's called “Minnesota Outdoor School for All” and it will provide resources for an overnight nature education program for every 4th-8th grader in the state.
The Wolf Ridge Environmental Learning Center is one of several camps and nature centers expected to offer the program, which will be funded by the education bill just passed by the legislature.
Wolf Ridge's Peter Smerud says it opens up nature-based programs to thousands more students.
“This has been a cultural value in our state and yet still to this date, only approximately 30% of the kids of Minnesota are able to access such experiences,” Smerud explains.
Smerud says the program allows teachers to bring the classroom outdoors.
“This endeavor right now in Minnesota relies on a passionate individual who's going to work extra, go well beyond the call of duty to perform this work and get it done,” he said.
The bill did pass the legislature with overwhelmingly bipartisan support.
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