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Friends of Outdoor School

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.

Bottom Line for Portland

At Outdoor School, Portland metro area 5th or 6th graders leave their classrooms and spend up to a week outdoors exploring Oregon’s diverse ecosystems through hands-on science. Giving to Friends of Outdoor School helps ensure that all 17,000 area students have access to a safe, inclusive, education experience at Outdoor School. We believe that Outdoor School should be a place where every child belongs.

Quote

“[Outdoor School] is a profound glimpse at reality in its truest form. In conversations and laughter, friendships and nature, one can discover the joys that are often more subtle and yet more rewarding. Too often people lose sight of their greatest treasures by chasing the ends of rainbows and diving into dark waters…In my life, I hope to do many things, but superseding them all is my ambition to always cherish the “reality” that transcends commercials and blow dryers and cell phones.” - High School Student Leader

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At its best, Outdoor School transforms classroom education by creating a model of inclusion and student engagement. Members of historically marginalized communities have been made to feel unwelcome in outdoor spaces, and in science, technology, engineering, and math education. We work to ensure that while at Outdoor School, each child can feel like they belong and that Outdoor School programming includes diverse perspectives and voices for a more complete experience for youth.

Incentives

When you donate $10 or more will receive an awesome sticker unique to Friends of Outdoor School's 2023 Give!Guide campaign. If you donated in 2021 and 2022, this is your chance to start adding to your FODS sticker collection!

When you donate $10 or more will receive a coupon for 60% off a COAST flashlight.

When you donate $15 or more will receive a buy one get one half off coupon for Puffin Drinkwear.

Vernier Science Education will match all gifts from donors 35 & under up to $2,500.

The first 100 people to donate $50 will have their donation matched by the Elizabeth Wakeman Charitable Foundation.

November 22nd: Be the first person to donate $250 to both Rogue Farm Corps and Friends of Outdoor School on or after November 22nd and enjoy a 2-night stay at Maple Grove Hot Springs + Retreat Center, plus give $10 or more and you could win Cotopaxi’s bestselling Allpa Travel Pack Backpacks.

December 1st-31st: The first 6 people to donate $100 or more will each get a tasting for 6 people from Dobbes Family Estate.

December 5th: The first 4 people to donate $20 will get a set of North Drinkware Mt. Hood coasters. Join us at Oakshire Beer Hall to pick up your coasters and enjoy an evening full of friends fun, food, and beer benefitting Friends of Outdoor School.

December 5th: The first 5 people to donate $50 or more will get a North Drinkware Mt. Hood pint glass. Join us at Oakshire Beer Hall to pick up your pint glass and enjoy an evening full of friends fun, food, and beer benefitting Friends of Outdoor School.

Refer a friend age 35 and under to donate to Friends of Outdoor School through Give!Guide and you could get a coupon to Swing State Boxing Club, Habitat Plants, or Good Neighbor Pizza while supplies last. The person you are referring must include your name, email/phone number, mailing address, and coupon choice in the notes section of their donation.