Outdoor Learning Home / Academics / Outdoor Learning Evergreen Academy’s Outdoor Education Program is based on the belief that the skills developed and practiced in the outdoors will transfer back to everyday life. Our students build a strong connection to the Pacific Northwest. Through our outdoor program, they explore Washington State’s diverse landscapes, learn about geography and ecology, and appreciate the natural beauty around them. This program helps students form a personal bond with the outdoors and the world around them. Students learn how to contribute as members of a team. Each outdoor trip requires students to work in teams. The success of the team depends on every member doing his or her part. Collaboration is required to perform shared tasks and meet shared challenges. Responsibilities are shared and therefore success is shared as well. Students learn to take physical, emotional, and social risks in a safe and supportive environment. By stepping outside their comfort zones in nature, they practice responsible risk-taking. These challenges help them grow, build self-confidence, and discover the satisfaction that comes with overcoming obstacles. Our students develop problem-solving skills during outdoor trips by facing new and challenging situations. With no set solutions, they learn to adapt, think creatively, and predict outcomes. These trips help them practice handling challenges and prepare them to apply these skills in their daily lives. Ski School (Kindergarten–5th Grade) Evergreen Academy has a special Ski School tradition! For four Fridays in the winter, students and parents can join in the fun at Stevens Pass. It’s a great way for families to spend time together and meet other Evergreen families. Kindergarten through 5th graders can take part with a chaperone. Look for information about signing up in the Friday Folder in early November each year! 3rd Grade In the fall, our 3rd graders embark on a three-day overnight trip to Mt. St. Helens, with parents joining as partners. During this adventure, our students explore the forces of nature and learn the incredible stories of how plants and animals have returned to the blast zone. Through hands-on activities, they gain foundational knowledge, build teamwork skills, and engage in exciting adventures. Our students explore volcanic geology, learning about plate tectonics, volcanic rocks, lava, and the 1980 eruption. On a hike, they use clues from the landscape to piece together the story of the eruption and see how life has recovered since. Mt. St. Helens serves as an outdoor classroom, bringing science to life in an unforgettable way. 4th Grade Our 4th graders take a special four-day trip to Islandwood! They explore nature, do hands-on projects, and learn in fun ways that match different interests. Students spend most of their time outside, discovering the world around them. They also get to use cool learning spaces like a garden, greenhouse, and team-building course. It’s an exciting adventure full of fun and learning! 5th Grade Our 5th graders go on a fun trip to Camp Seymour in Gig Harbor! They explore nature, learn about animals, plants, and how to take care of the earth. They also do exciting activities like canoeing, climbing, solving group challenges, and learning to find their way with maps. It’s a trip full of adventure and teamwork!
