Oregon's Outdoor Education Program Faces Cuts

In 2016, Oregon became the first state in the nation to dedicate public funding for outdoor education. Voters overwhelmingly passed Ballot Measure 99 which provided every 5th and 6th grader with a week of hands-on outdoor science education. Because the program would be funded by lottery revenue, it was intended to be perpetual and stable.

For eight years, it worked beautifully. It was legislative proof that outdoor education matters.  Nearly 40,000 students attended annually, at no cost to families. The program opened doors for students who would never otherwise experience overnight outdoor education. 

Then last June, the Legislature cut funding by 20%. While lottery revenue projections showed modest declines ahead, the cuts far exceeded what those projections required — a choice to redirect resources to other priorities rather than honor the voter mandate.

Now the program is at risk of collapsing.

The Crisis

On February 11, Northwest Regional Education Service District announced they will not be able to provide the same level of Outdoor School programming next year. They're holding emergency sessions to decide what to cut.

Karin Onkka runs Outdoor School at YMCA Camp DeBoer, serving nearly 1,000 students a year. In her February 2 letter to legislators she wrote, "I have personally responded to principals and teachers who have called me in tears."

To survive this year, her program absorbed $100,000 in losses while costs rose 5-15%. "We will not be able to operate at this capacity for another year. Most southern Oregon Outdoor School providers are in this position."

Programs used one-time reserves from the COVID era to absorb this year's cuts, but those reserves are now gone.

Why It Matters

Students in outdoor education programs show 27% improvement in science test scores (American Institutes for Research). The programs also build confidence, reduce stress, increase physical activity, and create lasting connections to nature. In an era of increasing technological distraction and harm, our kids need the outdoors more than ever.

Kids wait years for their turn. "We often hear students sharing that their older siblings came to Camp DeBoer for Outdoor School and they have been looking forward to it ever since."

The Bigger Picture

For decades, only wealthy districts could afford outdoor education. In 2016, Oregon voters said every kid should get this chance.

Now, while Scotland guarantees outdoor education for all students and Maine just launched a similar program, Oregon is at risk of dismantling theirs. Fortunately, House Bill 4112 would have restored $6 million — just half of what was cut, but they chose not to again. 

What's Next

Your voice still matters. If you're in Oregon or care about outdoor education, contact Governor Kotek and urge her to add back support into her recommended 2027 budget.  Visit friendsofoutdoorschool.org to learn more and take action.

In an era when screen time dominates childhood and youth anxiety is rising, outdoor education is more critical than ever. We talk constantly about kids and screens, disconnection from nature, mental health challenges. Outdoor education addresses all of it, and the research proves it.

Oaki makes outdoor gear for kids because we believe every child deserves time outside. When programs that make outdoor learning accessible to all students are being dismantled, we have to speak up.