Maine to pilot Outdoor School for All

Orono, Maine — For fourth through eighth grade students in Maine, the classroom is about to expand far beyond four walls — at no cost to local school districts. Thanks to new funding and legislation, UMaine Extension is launching the Outdoor School for All program, which will open doors for thousands of children to explore science, leadership, and environmental stewardship through overnight outdoor experiences. The program aims to spark curiosity, improve well-being, and deepen connections to Maine’s natural heritage. 

“There is no better classroom than the Maine outdoors,” said Executive Director of UMaine Extension 4-H Centers Ryder Scott. “Research has reinforced that outdoor learning benefits students’ academic performance and their physical and social-emotional wellbeing. These aren’t just field trips — they are transformational experiences that engage Maine students in exciting STEM learning and prepare them for future success in their studies and careers.”

Read the full story on UMaine News.

University of Maine Cooperative Extension

As a trusted resource for over 100 years, University of Maine Cooperative Extension has supported UMaine’s land and sea grant public education role by conducting community-driven, research-based programs in every Maine county. UMaine Extension seeks to build thriving communities and grow the food-based economy, focusing on aspects from production and processing to nutrition, food safety and food security. Extension also conducts the most successful out-of-school youth educational program in Maine through 4-H which offers hands-on projects in areas like health, science, agriculture and civic engagement and creates a positive environment where participants are encouraged to take on proactive leadership roles.