A bill for an act
relating to natural resources; creating Outdoor School for All grant program;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
84.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
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(a) Minnesota is known for its rich outdoor heritage and ethic. The state prides itself on
its close connection to nature through outdoor recreation, appreciation, and conservation.
The state is viewed nationally as a leader for its stewardship of and strong relationship
fostered with its natural resources. Yet the state's children are losing their connection to the
outdoors. Today, the state's children spend up to 44 hours per week in front of a screen and
less than 10 minutes each day doing outdoor activities. The legislature finds that time
outdoors helps children thrive physically, emotionally, and academically. Yet over the past
few generations, childhood activities have largely moved indoors. In addition, access to the
outdoors is too often determined by race, income, ability, and zip code. All children deserve
equitable access to outdoor spaces where they can learn, play, and grow. But unfortunately
today, access to outdoor opportunities is not equitable.
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(b) Research shows participants in outdoor educational activities have higher graduation
rates; improved school and peer relationships; higher academic achievement; enhanced
critical thinking skills; more awareness of the relationship between science and nature; and
improved leadership and collaboration skills. Outdoor educational programs also offer new
opportunities for work-integrated learning in science, natural resources, education, land
management, agriculture, outdoor recreation, and other employment sectors. Outdoor-based
learning activities can also be a key element in the larger system of regular outdoor
instructional time and outdoor experiences that includes STEM fields, after-school programs,
summer camps, 4-H, scouting, and related programs that can spark a lifelong appreciation
for the natural world.
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(c) The legislature intends to establish a statewide Outdoor School for All grant program
to address these needs and opportunities. The program will support immersive multiday
and accredited overnight educational experiences for students in grades 4 to 8. The program
will also ensure that all Minnesota students have a chance to benefit from outdoor education.
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The commissioner of natural resources must establish
and administer a program to provide grants to learning centers eligible under subdivision
2 for outdoor education programs serving students in grades 4 to 8.
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(a) The commissioner may award grants under this section to
accredited overnight outdoor school providers established under section 84.0875 and to
other regional nonprofit learning centers offering similar programming.
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(b) To be eligible for a grant under this section, the outdoor education program must:
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(1) provide a multiday, residential educational experience that is comprised mainly of
outdoor-based learning activities;
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(2) provide students with opportunities to directly experience and understand nature and
the natural world, including field study opportunities for student learning;
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(3) use a research-based environmental, ecological, agricultural, or other
natural-resource-based educational curriculum;
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(4) be integrated with local school curricula to help students meet academic standards;
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(5) provide students with opportunities to develop:
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(i) leadership;
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(ii) critical thinking;
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(iii) self-sufficiency;
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(iv) decision-making skills; and
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(v) social and emotional skills; and
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(6) address accessibility of outdoor educational opportunities for underserved students,
including students with disabilities.
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$....... in fiscal year 2024 and $....... in fiscal year 2025 are appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of natural resources for the Outdoor School for All program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 84.9766.
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