Hood Canal School’s new outdoor classroom is officially open and already making a big impact on student learning. Nestled in the forest on our school campus, this beautiful space was designed in the style of a national park, complete with log benches and natural seating. It’s the perfect setting for outdoor lessons, hands-on exploration, and place-based learning.
The outdoor classroom was built by a dedicated group of middle school students in our BOOTS program (Building Outdoor Opportunities Through Stewardship), who worked alongside Mr. Syrett and community volunteers. Over the course of several weeks, these students planned, constructed, and brought the space to life—demonstrating leadership, teamwork, and pride in creating something that will benefit our entire school.
Just days after completion, the space came alive with learning thanks to our ROOTS instructor, Winter Strong. Winter transformed the outdoor classroom into a mobile kitchen, where she led engaging lessons on native plants. Students explored how these plants have traditionally been used for food, medicine, and more—then had the opportunity to prepare and taste them firsthand. It was an unforgettable experience that connected culture, science, and the senses in one vibrant lesson.
The outdoor classroom is now open for all grade levels and subject areas, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with their environment while deepening their learning. Whether it’s science, writing, social studies, or simply a quiet moment for reflection, this new space provides a powerful connection to nature and place.
We’re incredibly proud of the students who made this possible and grateful to our staff and community partners who helped bring the vision to life.
Stay tuned for more outdoor adventures as we continue to expand our hands-on learning opportunities here at Hood Canal!
