Outdoor School for Oregon's kids

Last Tuesday was Outdoor School Day at Brand 33 Restaurant at Aspen Lakes. Jullian Johnsen (Camp Name: Waikiki), head of the Oregon Outdoor School Coalition, gave members of the Rotary Club of Sisters the latest news on attempts to provide the Outdoor School experiences to all Oregon fifth- and sixth-graders.

Educational leaders throughout the nation have said over and over again there is a huge need to bring children back into having exciting and positive experiences with the natural world around them. Outdoor School has been recognized as the way to do that.

Johnsen reflected on her experiences at Outdoor School, and how it opened her eyes and heart to the natural world around her and spurred her on to become the active leader she is today in education.

One story she told the audience revolved around a young, elementary-school-aged girl who came from an extremely abusive home environment. Her father again and again told her she was useless, would never amount to anything, no matter what she tried to do.

At Outdoor School the young lady not only discovered the natural world around her, but she found out who she was, what she could do, and who she would really grow up to be. So much so, that today she has a master's degree in mental health and is a leader in her profession.

Johnsen told her audience that only half of Oregon kids today can afford to attend Outdoor School. Locally, without outside financial support, students have to pay $175 to attend a three-day/two-night experience at Camp Tamarack. With the help of community grants and local parent and teacher fundraising efforts, Camp Tamarack has been able to reduce the fee, resulting in an increased student participation from 25 percent to 75 percent.

Recently, the Oregon Legislature voted overwhelmingly to pass SB 439 to support the concept of Outdoor School for all Oregon fifth- and sixth-grade students. This bill directs Oregon State University Extension Service to assist school districts and education service districts in providing outdoor school programs -but no money was set aside to do so.

The Outdoor School For All Coalition, made up of over 100 organizations across Oregon, hopes to see those funds become available through a citizen initiative in 2016.

On Tuesday, October 27, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., the Central Oregon Regional Network of the Outdoor School Coalition is hosting a special fall fundraiser at the Neil Kelly Design Center located in the Old Mill District in Bend.

High school student leader Taylor Richards described the importance of his experience at Outdoor School: "Camp Tamarack and the wonderful people who make it work are a rare gem that cannot be summed up in any amount of words. I have lived in many different places in my life, but none as beautiful or wholesome as the environment we are blessed with here.

"I had an amazing, life-changing experience that has given me the confidence to thrive in the real world. They teach us to connect with one another and the importance of our natural world. They provide a loving, caring, and understanding environment that not every child experiences in the home-lives. This place is made to change lives, and I am honored to be a part of it.

"In a matter of a week there is a complete turnaround in attitude, respect, and self-confidence for every individual involved. I will be forever grateful to this place for bringing out the best in myself and those around me."