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CPB Feature for June 2026

Inside the Outdoors is a unique and hands-on environmental education program serving over 120,000 participants per school year. Its mission is to empower students, teachers, parents and the community to explore natural areas and expand their knowledge, understanding, and stewardship of the environment through their Field Trips, Traveling Scientist, and Community programs.
The curriculum created for their programs supports current California academic standards and allows students to interact with these concepts in a real world setting. Inside the Outdoors has been a leader in hands-on science and social science programs since 1974, is administered by the Orange County Department of Education, and is a self-supporting program. 
Inside the Outdoors offers programs for students of all ages that Nurture a Natural Curiosity. Their Preschool/TK programs provide a hands-on opportunity for students in preschool to develop an awareness and appreciation of the sciences through the exploration of the animal kingdom. In addition, the program fosters a commitment to the protection and understanding of the environment and community.

The Traveling Scientist programs are designed for each grade level, Kindergarten through high school. For example, students in the 2nd grade study habitats while students in the 5th grade study food webs. Middle school students may study sensory structures in animals, investigate microorganisms in wastewater, or the impacts of human land uses on watersheds. High school students may study renewable energy or sea level rise
 Inside the Outdoors also offers Traveling Scientist programs for the Expanded Learning Opportunity Program such as Amazing Animals, Renewable Energy, and Rethink Resources. In addition to the Traveling Scientist Program, students may also participate in Field Trips at various locations around Orange County including Shipley Nature Center, Wild Wetlands, Crystal Cove, or Irvine Regional Park. All of their programs are designed to be hands-on and provide an opportunity to engage with the natural world.
With the school year coming to a close, Inside the Outdoors is preparing for Summer Day Camp 2026 at Shipley Nature Center. Children experience unique activities that incorporate science, fun, learning, and being outdoors​. Summer Day Camp is geared toward campers age 6 to 12 years old, with leadership and camp opportunities for campers age 13-17.  Each week of summer camp will have themed daily activities that are science/nature based that also include a daily nature journal prompt and a take-home craft.

Inside the Outdoors also designed some Community Programs and Virtual Programs to meet the wide range of needs of the community. For more information about Inside the Outdoors programs, call 714-708-3885 or email insidetheoutdoors@ocde.us.

News & Events June 2026

1. CAELI Quarterly Meeting


Dates: June 3, 2026
Location: Virtual
Description: We invite you to our next virtual statewide gathering which is a great opportunity to connect, share updates, and collaborate with environmental education leaders across California. Visit the CAELI website for more information.

Register HERE.

2. Indigenous Perspectives on Land-Based Education In and Beyond the Classroom


Date: June 9, 2026
Location:  Virtual
Description: Join this FREE virtual inspiring and practical workshop to discuss how ‘Renewal’ can guide K–12 educators in bringing Indigenous voices and the philosophy, principles, and practices of Indigenous land-based education into their teaching and community. Workshop attendees will learn how to respectfully renew their own relationships with land directly, engage students with the land – no matter where they are located and guide students in learning through observation, listening, and discussion. Through critical engagement with diverse written and visual works created by Indigenous leaders, land defenders, scholars, and Knowledge Keepers, experienced educators Christine M’Lot and Katya Adamov Ferguson will guide readers in connecting with Indigenous perspectives on land and water.

Click HERE for more information or to register.  Offered by The Outdoor Learning School & Store and Partners.

3. CA State Parks Week


Dates: June 10-14, 2026
Location: Events across the state
Description: The fifth annual California State Parks Week is presented by CA State Parks, CA State Parks Foundation, Parks CA, and Save the Redwoods League. There are numerous free events happening across the state. From outdoor adventures to cultural celebrations and hands-on activities, there are many ways to connect with your parks.

Plus, calling all TK–12 student artists! They are again holding the California State Parks Week poster contest, now expanded to include transitional kindergarten. To learn more and submit your artwork, visit the website.  

4. Forestry Institute for Teachers – Summer 2026




Date: June 14-July 25, 2026
Locations: El Dorado, Tuolumne, Humboldt, and Shasta Counties
Description: FIT offers immersive in-woods professional learning experiences designed for both formal and non formal educators. At each week-long session FIT’s team of credentialed instructors and local experts weave environmental education with unique forestry field experiences to explore California’s forest resources and expand your teaching practice! Registration is all-inclusive, covering on-site accommodations, meals and resources; you just have to get there! Whether you’re looking to broaden your content knowledge, explore new environmental education strategies, or connect with like-minded educators, FIT provides the perfect setting — outdoors, in the forest, with other inquiring minds! FIT welcomes all active California educators.

For more information and registration, click HERE.

5. Educator Summer Conference: The Healing Power of Nature


Date: June 16, 2026
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Description: The Healing Power of Nature is a professional development conference where educators can learn healing pathways for themselves and their students using Southern California’s remarkable natural and cultural landscapes. Hosted by the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, this unique gathering centers teachers as the learners as they explore the interconnections between science, art, mindfulness, and social-emotional learning. Through hands-on workshops, outdoor experiences, and interdisciplinary sessions, educators will discuss natural disaster recovery and social competency issues while developing supportive relationships with their peers across institutions and disciplines.

For more information, click HERE

6.  Natural Start Alliance Nature-Based Early Learning Conference


Date: June 24-26, 2026
Location: San Antonio, TX and online
Description: The 2026 Natural Start Alliance Nature-Based Early Learning Conference, held in San Antonio and online, brings together educators, researchers, and leaders to explore innovative, equitable approaches to nature-based education. Centered on the theme Imagine If, the event features in-person and online sessions focused on sustainability, justice, advocacy, and expanding nature-based learning for all children. 

Click HERE for more information or to register.

7. Life Lab Educator Workshop – The Growing Classroom


Date: July 9-10, 2026
Location: Santa Cruz, CA
Description: Learn to use a garden to breathe life into standards-based lessons, promote ecological literacy, encourage a love of nourishing foods, and support students’ social development. Using Life Lab’s The Growing Classroom activity guide for grades K-6, participants in this hands-on workshop experience tried-and-true garden-based lessons linked to Common Core Language Arts and Math and Next Generation Science Standards; practice basic gardening techniques; and develop management strategies for a school garden program. Graduate education units available.

Click HERE to register and to learn more.

CAELI Partner Portal Resources June 2026

1. Secrets of the Bees




Description: National Geographic Explorer Bertie Gregory explores the extraordinary lives of bees, which are among the planet’s most important animals. Over three years, special cameras opened a rare window into a single hive, revealing its hidden world. With more than 20,000 bee species pollinating one-third of the world’s food, this series uncovers their astonishing architecture and intelligence, unlocking their secrets. Click HERE to watch some fascinating footage in these two episodes.

2. Nature as Healer: Building a movement for children’s mental health in nature


Description: Nature as Healer is a strategy for advancing children’s access to nature’s benefits, centering the ways in which time in nature supports mental health, recovery from trauma and overall well-being for children, families and communities. With children’s mental health in crisis, nature’s role in supporting young people’s well-being is more important than ever. Nature as Healer is our answer to this crisis.

Click HERE to view some additional resources provided by the Children & Nature Network.

3. How to Turn Your Classroom into a Climate Solution Think-Tank


Description: How can electric vehicles be used most effectively to combat climate change? How can we improve the impact of agriculture on people and our planet? Can we restore native ecosystems while mitigating the impacts of the climate crisis? Strategic Energy Innovation’s (SEI) new Climate Solutions Toolkit engages students in asking questions like these as they wrestle with how best to solve one of our planet’s most pressing problems: the threat of changing weather patterns across the globe. While many resources teach students why climate change is happening and its consequences, few encourage them to think critically about the many ways we have to solve this problem, providing both lively engagement and necessary inspiration to take action. This toolkit includes an educator guide, detailed case studies, a curated list of additional climate solutions, and a glossary for educators. Together, these resources provide an inquiry-based framework for facilitating students’ evaluation of a variety of climate solutions and key examples of how educators can use this framework to facilitate discussions about regenerative agriculture, ecosystem restoration, electric vehicles, and more. Request the toolkit HERE.

4. Staying Cool When It’s Hot Outside


Description: Many schools and districts plan to or already use outdoor learning spaces when the weather is warm. As temperatures rise it is important to ensure that students and teachers are comfortable and protected from direct sun and excess heat. Hydration is key, along with avoiding surfaces that intensify heat, finding shade and breezes, and being sure everyone has the right clothing and gear for the weather.  Check out these helpful tips and many more resources on the National Outdoor Learning Library.

5.  13 Inspiring Examples of Young Environmentalists Making A Difference


Description: When we were young, it was easy to think that we’d have to wait until we’re older to make a difference since most of our role models were adults. As young environmental activist Ta’Kaiya Blaney said, “I always wanted to make a difference, but it was always along the lines of…when I grow up. It’s sad that it has to be this way but I realize I don’t have time to grow up before I want to make a change.”   It’s true – young students don’t need to wait until they’re older to make a difference. They can make real change now. Sometimes they just need to know it’s possible. 
Project Learning Tree shares 13 inspiring stories that show what’s possible when young environmentalists take action. Get inspired HERE.

6.  Time Outdoors is the Answer to the Mental Health Crisis We See in Kids Today


Description: This article, published in the Sierra Club magazine, was written by Jackie Ostfeld, Director of the Sierra Club’s Outdoors for All campaign. She talks about the influence of addictive digital technologies on children and how they are taking a toll on youth mental health. Jackie shares Sierra Club’s efforts to make sure kids can safely access nature wherever they live. 

Click HERE to read the article.