“Friends of Outdoor School carries the passion for Outdoor School in our communities: protecting and promoting this unique and valuable educational program before decision-makers, networking all partners in the program for positive change, and finding innovative funding solutions for participants.”
—John Donovan, volunteer, Senior VP of External Affairs and Constituent Relationships, Trillium Family Services
Our Vision
Outdoor School is a place where every child can belong.
Our Mission
Friends of Outdoor School’s purpose is to connect, support, and advocate for all of Oregon’s diverse students to learn at inclusive and accessible Outdoor School programs that contribute to educational development, inspire youth, promote personal growth, and embrace justice.
How We Do It
We accomplish our mission through advocacy, fundraising, and community engagement. Friends of ODS is the key connection between Outdoor School and the larger community of individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government agencies that support Outdoor School programming. We are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion in all that we do.
Our History
Created from a grassroots movement in 2003 to save the MESD Outdoor School program for Portland Public Schools, Friends of ODS has grown to become the lead organization championing Oregon Outdoor School.
In 2015, Friends of ODS helped to pass Oregon Senate Bill 439, which established the first-ever statewide Outdoor School program, administered by Oregon State University Extension.
In 2016, Friends of ODS established and led a coalition (the Oregon Outdoor Education Coalition) to secure state funding for a week of Outdoor School for all fifth- or sixth-grade students in Oregon via a citizens’ initiative, Ballot Measure 99. Voters overwhelmingly approved Measure 99, designating 4% of Lottery revenues for Oregon kids! The legislature allocated half of that funding.
In 2019, Friends of ODS successfully led the advocacy to secure full Measure 99 funding.
In 2023, Friends of ODS lobbied to pass House Bill 3037 to allow the Oregon State University Extension Service Outdoor School to work with the Oregon Department of Education to document the positive outcomes of Outdoor School for Oregon kids.
In 2025, the Oregon legislature cut the state Outdoor School budget by 20% ($12 million). Friends of ODS led the advocacy efforts to protest the funding cut.
In 2026, Friends of ODS gathered advocates to restore the funding cut and fight further cuts. We were successful in staving off further cuts.
For 2027-2029, we turn our attention to the Governor to ensure that full state funding is included in her 2027-2029 budget.
Friends of ODS manages the statewide Outdoor School networks. Our networks work together to:
Promote equitable access to Outdoor School
Identify and remove barriers to participation in Outdoor School
Champion Outdoor School to decision-makers throughout the state
Examine the impact of Outdoor School on students
Tackle problems and capture opportunities as they arise
Advocate for state funding for Oregon students to attend Outdoor School
Together, we work so that ALL Oregon students may attend a week of Outdoor School.
