Legislation would support outdoor learning opportunities for students in 4th through 8th grade throughout Minnesota
[SAINT PAUL, MN] — More of Minnesota’s students would have the opportunity to learn outdoor skills under a proposal from Senator Grant Hauschild (DFL-Hermantown) thanks to the establishment of an Outdoor School for All grant program, which was heard in the Senate Environment, Climate, and Legacy Committee on Tuesday, April 9th.
“Far too many of our kids spend their days indoors in front of screens. Without the access, opportunity, and encouragement to explore the outdoors, many of our kids are suffering from increased mental health concerns, physical wellbeing issues, and other adverse effects,” said Sen. Hauschild. “This program will give more of our young people that opportunity, especially those students who don’t typically have that chance.”
Currently, only 29% of students have access to these types of outdoor experiences, which take place primarily in one of the five outdoor schools that exist in Minnesota. One of the outdoor schools, Wolf Ridge, is located in Finland in Northeastern, Minnesota. The Outdoor school for All Grant Program would be open to schools to help support overnight outdoor education program experiences for students in grades 4 through 8, with a focus on helping underserved students, including students with disabilities.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in a future omnibus bill.
