Our bespoke programs offer teenagers opportunities to step away from the classroom, experience nature, and engage in meaningful, hands-on learning that builds life skills, fosters resilience, and promotes wellbeing.
Whether it’s exploring leadership through team challenges, enhancing problem-solving with real-world tasks, or simply finding peace in nature, our outdoor learning experiences provide high school students with personal growth that lasts far beyond their time with us.
What We Offer for High School Students
Skill Development Programs
Our forest school sessions are tailored to help high school students develop key skills, including:
Junior Forester Award
Students can work towards achieving the Junior Forester Award, which provides them with an understanding of sustainable forestry and helps them develop practical skills such as tree identification, woodland management, and conservation.
Leadership
Teens take on leadership roles in group activities that require coordination, decision-making, and clear communication.
Collaboration
We foster teamwork through outdoor tasks that encourage listening, empathy, and effective cooperation.
Resilience & Confidence
By working through challenges in a natural environment, students build confidence and develop a mindset of perseverance.
Self-Management
Activities encourage students to manage their own learning and set personal goals.
Outdoor Learning for Wellbeing
High school years can be stressful, and spending time outdoors has been proven to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost mental clarity. Our wellbeing-focused programs incorporate:
- Mindfulness in nature
- Grounding exercises to reduce stress
- Reflective journaling to process emotions
Forest School for High School Students
Our programs are inspired by the principles of forest school, which emphasize long-term, learner-led outdoor experiences. In our sessions, students:
- Develop a sense of independence by choosing their own tasks and setting personal challenges
- Explore nature through practical activities such as fire lighting, tool use, shelter building, and foraging
- Build environmental awareness by learning about local ecosystems and sustainable practices
Forest school encourages students to connect with nature in a deeper way, fostering a sense of care for the environment while building practical skills that can be applied in everyday life. Many of our young people undertaking Forest School also work on their National Outdoor Learning Award.
Custom Programs
We believe that every school and group of students is unique. That’s why we offer custom programs designed in collaboration with schools to meet specific goals and address unique challenges. By working closely with educators, we can:
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- Develop tailored learning experiences that complement existing school priorities
- Focus on particular skills or themes, such as teamwork, leadership, or environmental awareness
- Ensure the program aligns with the school’s desired outcomes and student needs
This collaborative approach ensures that our outdoor learning programs deliver maximum impact and relevance for each group of students.
Why Outdoor Learning is Great for Teenagers
- Encourages independence by allowing students to take ownership of tasks and decision-making.
- Builds resilience as they face and overcome challenges in an unpredictable outdoor environment.
- Promotes emotional intelligence by creating opportunities for self-reflection and empathy during group activities.
- Supports physical health by keeping students active and engaged in outdoor tasks.
- Enhances mental wellbeing through exposure to nature, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve overall mood.
Program Options
We offer flexible forest school programs designed to meet the needs of high school students, including:
- One-off Outdoor Learning Days focused on key skills or specific themes
- Weekly or Monthly Forest School Sessions that promote long-term engagement
- Retreat-Style Experiences offering immersive outdoor learning and personal development
- Custom Programs tailored in partnership with schools to address specific goals or challenges
Get in Touch
If you’re interested in bringing Love Outdoor Learning’s forest school experience to your high school students, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you’re looking for a single-day session or an ongoing program, we can work with you to create a transformative outdoor learning experience. Contact us to discuss your school’s needs and learn how we can support your students’ learning and wellbeing.
Working with Love Outdoor Learning has been a literal “breath of fresh air”. Our ASN Senior Phase youngsters have embraced the outdoor, all weather, “nature” of the sessions, the practical physicality that can be involved and the calm, safe, knowledgeable atmosphere that is nurtured, as an excellent opportunity for both participation and self-reflection. All the sessions are designed to not only support work towards SQA National Qualification Targets, but accreditation towards Forest School Awards.
Scott, Principle Teacher, Redburn School
