As we step into 2026, our team is busy preparing, planning, and dreaming about what lies ahead. The year is already shaping up to be full, joyful, and deeply rooted in what matters most to us: helping children and families connect with one another and with the natural world through meaningful outdoor learning experiences.

Preparing for a Full Season of Programs

We are gearing up to deliver our regularly scheduled programs throughout the year. Behind the scenes, this means making sure we have the staff, resources, and systems in place to offer safe, enriching, and impactful experiences for Yamhill County families—no matter the season.

Creativity Meets the Outdoors

This winter we are thrilled to be collaborating with local watercolor artist Terry Peasley. Terry will join us for our upcoming No School Day Camps on January 29th and 30th, sharing his artistic skills and helping campers explore creativity inspired by the natural world. Alongside art-making, we’ll spend time telling stories and exploring the winter woods—blending imagination, observation, and outdoor play. 

Exploring Science, Art, and Nature

Our Outdoor Science Explorers will dive into exciting seasonal themes, including:

  • Wildcrafted Art
  • Winged Wonders
  • Life in the Water

These explorations invite curiosity and hands-on discovery, helping young learners build a deeper understanding of the natural systems around them.

Spring Adventures and Community Celebration

Spring Break will find us immersed in the woods, creeks, and ponds of Miller Woods, where campers will spend a full week exploring and learning through direct experience.

SAVE THE DATE: On April 11th, we will host our 3rd Annual Into the Woods Benefit, an evening dedicated to raising vital funds that allow us to continue—and expand—the wide range of outdoor learning opportunities we offer. This event is an important part of sustaining our programs and growing our impact, and a lot of fun. We hope you will save the date! Learn More Here> 

We’ll close out the spring season with an incredible 18 days of field trips, welcoming students from kindergarten through 8th grade for immersive outdoor learning experiences.

A First for OEA: Camp for Grownups

And now… drum roll, please! After years of parents asking when it would be their turn, we are excited to announce that we are working to create some time for adults to get outdoors with us. Stay tuned!

Summer Camps and More Time Outside

Summer Camps will kick off shortly after field trip season ends, and this year we’re adding two extra weeks of camp.

More weeks means more opportunities for kids to explore, play, and grow outdoors.

The Fun Will Continue This Fall

As summer winds down, we’ll be turning our attention to fall programs that continue the learning, exploration, and connection our families value so much. From seasonal discoveries to ongoing outdoor routines, we’re excited to keep kids outside and curious as the leaves change and a new school year settles in. More details will be shared as plans take shape.

Growing Our Team and Increasing Access for Families

Alongside our program growth, we are planning important organizational steps:

  • Expanding our educator team. In September, our current Nature School Assistant Educator, Katie, will move into a new role as School Programs Coordinator, helping expand school partnerships and leverage additional resources. With this transition, we’ll also be hiring for a new Nature School Assistant Educator.
  • Working toward stronger compensation packages, with the goal of moving closer to living wages and offering health benefits for our staff.
  • Launching a sliding-scale payment model, allowing families to choose a payment amount that reflects what they can afford. We hope this approach will make financial support more accessible and remove barriers to participation. 

Dreaming Big About the Future

If you’ve ever lingered a little longer at pickup or watched your child disappear happily into the trees, you already know why we dream big.

If you know our team of educators, you know we are a group of dreamers—always imagining what could be. We are dreaming about continued growth in outdoor learning opportunities and about bringing even more kids and families outside with us.

We’re also dreaming about space: expanding our access to outdoor venues, deepening partnerships, or perhaps one day purchasing a property to call home. However it unfolds, our vision remains the same—more nature, more learning, and more connection.

Thank you for being part of our community and for trusting us to create meaningful outdoor experiences for your children. Whether your family joins us for one program or many, you are part of what makes this work possible. 

If you’re feeling inspired and able, we invite you to contribute to support this work. Donations help us provide high-quality programs, expand access for families, and continue dreaming big about what outdoor learning can be in our community. Every contribution—of any size—helps keep kids learning, exploring, and growing outside. We can’t wait to explore, learn, and grow alongside your family this year.