Programs We Support

Outdoor Education has been a vital component of the San Diego public education system since 1946. Each year, the San Diego Office of Education provides thousands of families the program to introduce their children to nature, ecology, the environment, natural resources, and animal and plant life while keeping them safe, healthy, and inspired. Outdoor Education Foundation is dedicated to preserving outdoor programs and enriching the lives of students through hands-on and activity-based learning.

Outdoor Schools

The San Diego Office of Education has operated its Outdoor School program since 1946. With two camp locations, Camp Cuyamaca and Camp Palomar, the Outdoor School program provides 6th grade students with a unique opportunity to study earth sciences in the natural environment, while also participating in activities that develop youth social skills, leadership and self-esteem. Both students and teachers leave Outdoor School knowing more about the natural world and themselves.


- Camp Cuyamaca
- Camp Palomar
- Outdoor School Curriculum

The Green Machine

The Green Machine is a hands-on science interactive learning program aligned with the California Science content standards, brought directly to the schools designed for 3rd and 4th grade levels. The Green Machine also provides schools assistance in starting their own school garden. To schedule a Green Machine visit for your school, afterschool or camp program, click here.

Make a donation to the Green Machine scholarship fund. Click here.

Splash Science Lab

Splash is a completely self-contained mobile laboratory delivered directly to the schools and designed for young, scientific minds. Students role play as scientists as they explore the key factors contributing to water quality and to the quality of biological life. The scientists are divided into groups to conduct a scientific investigation about how water pollution affects the environment and wildlife.

Getting ready for the Splash Van visit? Watch the video here.

To schedule a Splash Science Lab visit for your school, afterschool or camp program, click here.

Make a donation to the Splash Science Lab scholarship fund, click here.

Marine Science Lab

The Marine Science Lab program is a half-day field trip conducted in the San Diego Bay on a boat outfitted with oceanographic equipment specifically for student use. All marine science activities incorporate major components of the state science framework. Students explore the bay while receiving hands-on learning about oceanography, study marine organisms, and increase their knowledge of the marine environment.

To schedule a Marine Science Lab visit for your school, afterschool or camp program, click here.

Make a donation to the Marine Science Lab scholarship fund, click here.