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National Outdoor Learning Alliance

@outdoorlearningalliance

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Creating effective outdoor learning experiences for all kids
🦋 Support for new & existing outdoor programs
🐾 Runs @everwildforestschool
👇 Join Us

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We had such a fun evening last Monday kicking off @idahogives with our 3rd Annual Karaoke Throwdown! We loved getting to bring together organizations and celebrate each other! Thank you to all our amazing performers, our tabling partners and the awesome crowd that joined us!

If you missed it, here’s a quick glimpse into all the great performances! We’ll see you next year!🎤🪩

Thank you to @idahocf for sponsoring the event & @shrinesocialclub for hosting us!

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Teachers plant seeds of knowledge that bloom for a lifetime! 🌱 Thank you educators! 💚

#teacherappreciationweek #educator #thankyou

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Join EverWild Forest School and the National Outdoor Learning Alliance for this community-favorite Halloween event!
Tickets@ Link in Bio

🎃Embark on a magical scavenger hunt, searching for creatures crafted by our students!
🦇Festive activities, nature crafts and prizes
🍪Snacks and refreshments for your hungry forest explorers
📦Drop off your donations for EverWild's FUNDrive and amplify your contribution to EverWild's scholarship funds! We are accepting clothes, books, and more!
🌌Join us at Dusk for games, activities and snacks before heading out into the Enchanted Forest. All are welcome, so please invite your friends and neighbors!
🛻Bring your donations of clothes, books and gently used household items in bags or boxes, we will have a truck ready to haul them! Look for the FUNDrive flyer in the event discussion for more details.

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Ever wondered about the essence of children’s play in natural landscapes?

This study introduces the concept of “Curious Play,” contrasting it with the more familiar “Risky Play.” Unlike the thrill-seeking nature of risky play, curious play centers around the excitement of discovery and mastering unpredictable situations. 🌍🔍

The study engaged children in activities like climbing, hiking, and free play in wild nature. The children’s motivation wasn’t driven by risk; it was fueled by their curiosity and interactive engagement with the environment. 📸🍃

The study challenges the assumption that children inherently seek physical danger. Instead, it emphasizes that children, through curious play, actively create and discover their surroundings, turning nature into a playground of endless possibilities.

This study transforms our perspective on children’s play, urging us to see beyond risk and embrace the enchanting world of curious play where every leaf, rock, and tree becomes a canvas for discovery.

Citation: Gurholt, K.P., Sanderud, J.R., (2016). Curious play: Children’s exploration of nature. Journal of Adventure Education and Outdoor Learning, 16(4), 318-329.

#OutdoorEducation #EverwildForestSchool #OutdoorLearning #ScientificStudy #CuriousPlay

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Here’s a great idea for K—3, instead of “write the room” —“write the schoolyard”. Hang up Sight words or CVC outside on little pieces of paper or sticky notes! Give each student a journal and ask them to find and write ✍️ the words! PRO TIP-Ask some helpful grade 8’s or practicum students to set-up the activity for you!
1. Learning Comes Alive Outside
When students step into a natural or open-air environment, they engage more of their senses. This enhances curiosity, focus, and retention.
2. Classroom Management Improves Outdoors.The extra space and fresh air can reduce restlessness and create a calming effect, especially for students who struggle with traditional classroom settings. Setting clear expectations and routines for outdoor time makes it even smoother.
3. Outdoor Learning Builds Resilience — for You and Your Students
Stepping outside your comfort zone models courage, flexibility, and creativity. You show students that learning doesn’t have to be confined by walls #teachers #nature #outdooreducation #outdoors #teachersofinstagram #outdoorlearning #elementary #yearend

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🌿 Meaningful time spent outdoors helps children thrive and fosters a lasting appreciation and respect for nature.

Children who are connected to nature enjoy better health, higher life satisfaction, and pro-environment behaviors. In fact, childhood time in nature and having role models who care for the Earth are the two biggest predictors of environmental stewardship in adulthood.

The benefits don’t stop there—kids who spend time in nature also experience: ✨ Better social skills
✨ Increased self-esteem
✨ Improved academic performance
✨ Stronger emotional connections to people and the natural world

The benefits of nature exposure in childhood are incredible. But for many families, access to nature-based programs like EverWild Forest School is limited by financial barriers.

🌟 That’s where you come in.
Help us make sure that all children have safe, accessible, nature-connected learning opportunities—regardless of income.

🎯 Donate today through Idaho Gives and make an immediate impact:
https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/outdoor-learning-alliance

Let’s invest in the next generation of environmental stewards. 💚 #IdahoGives #EverWildForestSchool #OutdoorLearningAlliance #NatureForAll #SupportOutdoorEducation

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I had a blast competing against 8 other Executive Directors in a Karaoke Throwdown event kicking off Idaho Gives, a week where Idahoans are encouraged to donate to their favorite nonprofits. 💛

With a fun-filled performance, I brought awareness to NOLA’s many initiatives - including our flagship program @everwildforestschool - each of which are aimed at expanding outdoor learning opportunities for kids everywhere. 🌱🤸☀️

Outdoor learning has been shown to improve academic, social-emotional, and physical and mental health outcomes in children when integrated into formal education. Unfortunately, schools are continuing to reduce experiential outdoor lessons in favor of indoor didactic teaching approaches (there are many complex reasons for this).

My organization aims to help teachers, school districts, families, and education leaders adopt science-backed learning practices that incorporate outdoor time into the school day. By doing this, we can improve student success while helping kids become more connected to nature and their communities.

I hope you’ll join me in this movement by donating to @outdoorlearningalliance today!

#idahogives #idahogives2025 #everwildforestschool #outdoorlearningalliance #outdoorlearning #getkidsoutside #experientialeducation #naturebasededucation #greenschoolyards #forestschooling #natureschool #nonprofit

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What you missed at our second annual Karaoke Throwdown!!

What an amazing way to kick off Idaho Gives! We had the best time singing along with some of our favorite local nonprofits and raising each other up!

We have so many more fun events to come, so stay tuned and don’t forget to donate to help us reach outreach goal!

We’ll see you tonight at Lost Grove for BFF Block Party!

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🌟 From wild rivers to towering pines, our Wildhearted Learners know exactly why they love Idaho! 🌿💚

Their words say it all — adventure, freedom, beauty, and connection. 🏞️✨

This Idaho Gives season, help us keep the magic of outdoor learning alive for the next generation. Every gift nurtures wonder, curiosity, and deep love for this incredible place we call home. 🌲🏡

What your donation provides:
🍎 $15 = one week of snacks for 12 children
✏️ $30 = supplies for summer camp
🧮 $50 = STEAM supplies for underserved youth
🥾 $100 = outerwear & boots for 2 children

Donate today with the link in bio:
https://www.idahogives.org/organizations/outdoor-learning-alliance

#IdahoGives #WildheartedLearners #OutdoorLearning #LoveWhereYouLive #NatureBasedEducation

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🎤 TONIGHT 🎤

Don’t forget to join us for Karaoke Throwdown, an Idaho Gives Kickoff Event tonight!

Eight executive directors from nonprofits around Idaho (including our fearless leader, Lance!) will compete for the crown and become 2025’s Karaoke Throwdown Champion!

This event is open to the public! Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

Entry Fee: $5 suggested donation

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🌳 Research reveals the powerful impact of outdoor education on children’s stress responses.

📖 In a year-long study, students engaging in weekly forest learning showed higher physical activity levels and a steady decline in stress hormone cortisol throughout the school day.

🏞️ Crucially, these stress-relief benefits were unique to the outdoor setting, not solely linked to increased physical activity.

🧠💚 This underscores the potential of outdoor education to be a game-changer for kids’ mental and physical well-being.

👧👦 More research is needed, but the message is clear:

🌟 Nature holds the key to a healthier, happier learning environment.

#NatureResearch #OutdoorEducation #StressRelief #EverwildForestSchool #NationalOutdoorLearningAlliance

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🌟 What is Idaho Gives?
It’s a statewide celebration of giving back! 💛 Idaho Gives connects generous hearts with incredible nonprofits like NOLA (National Outdoor Learning Alliance).

🌿 How your donations help:
Every gift helps NOLA create outdoor learning adventures, support EverWild Forest School’s Wildhearted Learners, and grow the next generation of nature-connected leaders. 🌎🌼

Together, we can build a wilder, more wonderful world. Thank you for being part of our story! 🌿💚

#IdahoGives #WildheartedLearners #GiveBack #OutdoorLearning

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