Wilderness Inquiry’s 2023 Outdoor Credit Recovery season just came to an end, and we are excited to say that it was one of the most successful seasons yet. Since the start of our program in 2014, we have seen continued growth as the program expands to work with new school districts and more students.
Our Outdoor Credit Recovery program brings learning to life for youth through nature-based exploration and academic opportunities set in a classroom without walls, utilizing the outdoors as our learning environment. Through intersectional learning focused on STEM, history, and language arts, students have the opportunity to earn credits toward their high school diploma.
Wilderness Inquiry crew, I just wanted to say THANK YOU. This experience was one of the most fun things I’ve done – the opportunities, things we learned, how we bonded and got comfortable. Thank you for making credit recovery fun.”
– Irene, Student, Saint Paul Public Schools
Students, teachers, and Outdoor Leaders alike have the opportunity to grow and learn in the outdoors. From canoeing to water quality testing, students learn more about the natural world around them while connecting with their peers on a level that is not usually found in a traditional school setting.
I think the coolest thing about credit recovery is it allows kids to learn in a space that they get to be absolutely themselves. Like we don’t force them to be any which way. They have a lot of space to explore and just show up and build connection.”
– Gabbi, Outdoor Leader
Students from various different schools come together for the purpose of gaining credits through outdoor education, but many walk away with more than that. The friendships created and the impact that the program has on their view of education and the outdoors is something that most students and teachers do not expect.
It was like camp at the end. They were all bonded. They were all like, ‘Oh, I’m going to miss you guys!'”
– Jenna, Teacher, Saint Paul Public Schools
This program also creates leadership pathways for students. Alina participated as an Outdoor Credit Recovery student in 2021, and now she helps lead the program for other students as a Wilderness Inquiry Outdoor Leader. Alina’s story is one of many that shows the power and potential of community-centered, place-based learning in the natural world.
I feel like I’ve been introduced to a new field that I didn’t know was out there that I feel really calls to me.”
– Alina, Former Credit Recovery Student, Current Outdoor Leader
Our exceptional Outdoor Leaders help make the process of learning fun and engaging, and they introduce the field of outdoor education and the many opportunities that it holds to students.
Learn more about Outdoor Credit Recovery and its positive impact on students.
Outdoor Credit Recovery is funded in part by the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund of the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment.
Barbara says
We have a lightly used quality Wing tarp suitable for groups we would be happy to donate. We enjoyed 2 of your national park trips. One with adults and one multigerational.
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