Experiential Outdoor Programs
We Value Adversity & Adventure
Contact Info
coyleoutside@gmail.com
541-760-0774
Winter 2024-2025
Toddler and Youth Programs
Toddler Programs
Willamette Park Rotary Shelter
Jan13-Mar19 | Ages 2.5-5
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We will be spending time playing, discovering new interpersonal skills, developing our imagination and physical capacities as well as exploring nature while we make new friends. Unstructured nature play is the name of the game here. We will explore the themes of art, survival, awareness and adventure while learning about relationships and the natural world. There is no more critical of a socioemotional developmental period and opportunity for youth at this age. Being outside sharing space and activity with peers of differing ages provides significant stimulation and developmental experiences.
Based on theories and practices associated with the Forest School movement to books like "Last Child in the Woods," we refer to our group euphemistically as "gang" in order to emphasize interdependence and promote an environment of socialization.
This program is for ages 2.5 to 5. With exceptions, minimum group size is 4 with 2 instructors. This is designed as a drop off/pick up program and exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis, in the interest of orienting new participants. Participants should be fully potty trained.
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Youth Weekend Programs
Sand, Snow, and S'mores Road Trip Adventures!​
Benson Sno Park, South Beach State Park, Silver Falls State Park
Mar1, Mar15, Mar30 | Ages 8-14
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Join us for three days of outdoor adventuring!
Don't stay inside all winter! These fun field trips are a chance to make new friends and see new places. Experienced survival and bushcraft instructors focus on fun while adding educational elements (foraging, fire, cookouts, shelter building) to stimulating, social outings that keep kids connected and excited about being outside in Winter.
The group will meet on March 1, 15, and 30th. Sign up for one day or all three.
Destinations include:
March 1 - Snow!
Benson Sno (Lava Lake or Maxwell Butte as Alternates) Park on Highway 20 - we will pivot to a beach trip or hike trip if road conditions are poor on the pass road
Sledding, build snow forts, make a fire and cookout
March 15- Sand!
South Beach State Park in Newport
kite flying, sand play, bonfire cookout (visit Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center)
March 30- Forest!
Regional Hikes/Nature Field Trips
Hiking, Fire (hot dogs, hot chocolate)
Silver Falls SP
Horse Rock as alternate
McDowell Creek as alternate
We send out complete gear and clothing lists and support families and students in having successfully warm (mostly) and dry fun in the cold and wet.
Limited scholarships available for qualifying families.
Saturdays and Sunday 9:50am-5:00pm
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Youth School's Out Programs
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Willamette Park Rotary Shelter, then location may vary
Dec30-Jan3 | Ages 7-11
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Join us for five full days of learning survival skills and practicing them in survival scenarios! Skills taught/practiced will include shelters, fire safety/building, knife safety, tracking, foraging, teamwork, traps, orienteering, cordage/knots and primitive skills. Specific skills and curriculum will depend on instructor and student preference.
Goal of camp, besides having fun, is to build initiative, self-control and judgment skills while connecting with the natural world. Campers will play survival-themed games based on real-life survival scenarios. The week ends with an exciting final scenario and a certificate of achievement.
Monday-Friday 9:00am-3:00pm
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Willamette Park Rotary Shelter
Jan20-Mar14 | Ages 7-11
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Coyle Outside will transform Corvallis School District scheduled days off into outdoor adventures and forays. We'll meet at the Rotary Shelter at Willamette Park to work on outdoor skills such as shelter, fire, knife work, navigation, foraging, tracking, wildlife observation and more. We'll also provide transportation to field trip sites to practice bushcraft and survival skills. Areas may include Mary's Peak, Finley Wildlife Refuge, E.E. Wilson, and other natural places in and around Corvallis.
Fieldtrip Dates: 1/20, 1/30, 1/31, 2/17, 3/14. Sign up for the full program. Prorating for individual days not available.
Jan20, Jan30, Jan31, Feb17, Mar14 9:00am-3:00pm
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Willamette Park Rotary Shelter, then location may vary
Mar24-Mar28 | Ages 7-12
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Join us for five full days of learning survival skills and practicing them in survival scenarios! Skills taught/practiced will include shelters, fire safety/building, knife safety, tracking, foraging, teamwork, traps, orienteering, cordage/knots and primitive skills. Specific skills and curriculum will depend on instructor and student preference.
Goal of camp, besides having fun, is to build initiative, self-control and judgment skills while connecting with the natural world. Campers will play survival-themed games based on real-life survival scenarios. The week ends with an exciting final scenario and a certificate of achievement.
Monday-Friday 9:00am-4:00pm
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Youth Homeschool Programs
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Willamette Park Rotary Shelter
Jan13-Mar18 | Ages 6-10
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This class is designed for families looking for an introduction to a nature based, experiential approach to education.
This class is designed for kids ages 6-10 who are looking for hands on learning and exploration, with time for self-led skills experimentation, play, relationship building, and life skills development such as communication, problem solving, & teamwork.
The class will discuss and cover geography through learning navigation, study native fauna through tracking & animal behavior, physics through survival traps, etc. Additional skills with science aspects covered include foraging, shelter building, fire safety & building.
Curriculum is adapted to each season, and follows similar skills covered throughout each term. Classes are adapted to the current environment and experience level of the group of kids the instructors are working with. Fall focus is foraging, seasonal transitions, and survival skills in diverse fall weather. Winter focuses on warmth, survival, and adapting skills to winter scenarios/needs. Spring is centered around spring foraging, medicinal plants, longer days, tools to stay cool as temps increase, and skills needed to thrive in diverse spring weather.
Instructors will lead a monthly field trip to various local natural areas.
Mondays 9:00am-2:00pm
Tuesdays 9:00am-2:00pm
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Willamette Park Rotary Shelter
Jan15-Mar19 | Ages 9-14
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Wilderschool 2.0 is for students ages 9+ who have previously attended Wilderschool or other similar outdoor programs.
This 10 session class will provide a deeper dive into natural sciences and their connection to the skills we teach and the world around us. Instructors will introduce compound skills, two monthly field trips, and regular guest instructors to incorporate additional skills development.
Content pieces include:
- Crafting tools and instruction on use (building trap sets, implements, hunting weapons)
- Foraging, fire building, and camp cooking
- Nature art & natural pigments
- Animal behavior & tracking
All of these are paired with varying branches of science and developed lessons which incorporate a higher level of focus & learning introductory science principles.
Curriculum is adapted to each season, and follows similar skills covered throughout each term. Classes are adapted to the current environment and experience level of the group of kids the instructors are working with. Fall focus is foraging, seasonal transitions, and survival skills in diverse fall weather. Winter focuses on warmth, survival, and adapting skills to winter scenarios/needs. Spring is centered around spring foraging, medicinal plants, longer days, tools to stay cool as temps increase, and skills needed to thrive in diverse spring weather.
Students in this class will regularly be participating in knife use after completing knife safety.
Students will have time to explore and play, build relationships, learn to solve problems, communicate, lead and follow more effectively.
Wednesdays 9:00am-2:00pm
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