Education Overview
APWC began its education program in 2019 with the goal of providing hands-on, outdoor learning experiences for local kids. Since then APWC has expanded its offerings to include three established environmental education programs - Applegate Outdoor School, Grow Youth, and Applegate Outdoor Summer Camp. Each program serves a unique purpose in getting kids outside through place-based, experiential learning.
Our Education Programs
Applegate Outdoor School: Grades 5-6
Started in 2023, Applegate Outdoor School (AOS) is a day-only immersive experience for 5th & 6th grade students consisting of 4-5 field days at Cantrall Buckley County Park along the Applegate River. The standards-aligned curriculum is comprised of place-based field studies focused on terrestrial, freshwater, and fire ecology. State-wide funding allows Oregon students from public school districts to attend at no cost to families or schools. AOS is offered annually in both the spring and fall.
Grow Youth: Grades K-12
Our Grow Youth Program is offered annually in September-December at the Provolt Recreation Site along the Applegate River. Grow Youth is a collaboration between APWC and the Medford District Bureau of Land Management (BLM). It combines hands-on scientific field studies and service-learning projects to promote critical thinking and environmental responsibility while contributing to local habitat restoration. This program is supported by grant funds and is offered at no cost to schools or families. Public/private schools and homeschool groups can attend Grow Youth for single field trips or on a recurring basis.
Applegate Outdoor Summer Camp: Ages 5-11
The Applegate Outdoor School Summer Camp (AOSC) is a multi-week, nature-based summer camp at Cantrall Buckley County Park. Each week offers a different theme that blends natural history, science, art and more through hands-on activities and guided explorations. Led by our passionate team of environmental educators, campers get to investigate the natural world around them, build life-long friendships, and play outdoors five days a week. AOSC is offered annually each summer and families can sign up for a single week or multiple weeks at a time. Grant funds helps keep this program affordable by offsetting the total cost absorbed by families; however APWC does charge a registration fee to attend. Scholarships may be available to families who qualify.
Compare Our Programs
Applegate Outdoor School
Program Availability
September-October
& April-May
Who Can Attend
5th and 6th graders from Oregon public schools
Cost
$385 per student, paid for by state-wide outdoor school funds.
Schedule
Monday–Friday
9:30am–1:30pm
Location
Cantrall Buckley Park
Curriculum & Notes
Nature journaling, macroinvertebrate sampling, water quality, soil science, forestry, fire ecology.
Grow Youth
Program Availability
September-December
Who Can Attend
Classes of public, private, charter, and homeschool students (K–12)
Cost
$0 per student, program costs are grant funded.
Schedule
Single or recurring trips Monday-Friday
10:00am–1:30pm
Location
Provolt Recreation Site
Curriculum & Notes
Scientific field study combined with a service-learning project. Grow Youth is co-managed by APWC & BLM Medford District.
Outdoor Summer Camp
Program Availability
June-August
Who Can Attend
Children ages 5–11
Cost
Weekly registration fee, 2026 rate TBA
Schedule
Monday–Friday
9:00am–3:30pm
Aftercare 3:30–5:00pm
Location
Cantrall Buckley Park
Curriculum & Notes
Weekly nature themes, games, art, guided explorations & activities, and guest presenters.
APWC also provides instructional assistance for Ruch Outdoor Community School’s (ROCS) Applegate Stewards class. Applegate Stewards offers outdoor environmental science lessons, as well as opportunities for hands-on service learning and interpretive sign design projects. This program is open to 6th-8th grade students at ROCS.
Our Funders & Partners
APWC has received funding from numerous organizations over the years to support our various education programs and projects. We are very grateful to all our funders and program partners who have helped us along the way.
APWC is open to collaborating with local organization on its education projects. For ideas on potential partnerships, please contact our Education & Outreach Program Director:
Charlotte Hyde
charlotte@apwc.info
(978) 270-8831
Southern Oregon Regional Environmental Education Leaders
APWC is proud to be part of the Southern Oregon Regional Environmental Education Leaders (SOREEL). SOREEL connects organizations and educators that focus on science and environmental education in Southern Oregon to coordinate, share resources, and collaborate around related educational efforts.
Visit their website to find lesson plans, field trip ideas, overnight camps, and enriching day programs: https://sites.google.com/view/soreel/home
