The Outside School program provides experiential learning in a wilderness setting without the logistics of backpacking, as well as demonstrates conservation through environmental design and practices. 

We offer discovery and connections in outdoor recreation, forest ecology and Leave No Trace principles - on the hike to the Inn — as well as instructional programs. 

At the Inn, we educate students on what they can do to conserve and lower their carbon footprint and environmental impact through sustainability practices such as solar energy, composting toilets, native gardens, rain water catchment, reducing food waste and composting with vermiculture. More formal curriculum may focus on school related subjects in Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Our goal is to get more kids outside, engage and inspire them to be good stewards of natural resources, and hopefully foster a lifelong appreciation and deep relationship with nature. We truly believe hiking or simply being outside is a fun path to a healthy life. Study after study reinforces the idea that exposure to nature promotes strong physical, mental and emotional well-being, improves self-esteem, and assists with discovering a vital sense of self and place.

Through partnerships with passionate educators and dedicated organizations, grants and individual donations, we are able to serve an average of 300 students a year. If you are interested in being an education partner or bringing your students to the Hike Inn, please contact staff at education@hike-inn.com.

Read more about some of the many rewarding Outside School experiences in 2018 here.

The Leave No Trace principles are simple but important: leave the places you visit outdoors the same, or better, than you found them. 

YOU CAN HELP SUPPORT US

You can help us to be a bridge for students to find their passion for hiking, the outdoors and conservation. We are a non-profit organization and generous donors and their donations make this all possible — for all of our children.