The NAAEE Affiliate Network’s campaign promotes outdoor learning as a simple yet effective solution for enhancing student well-being.

Denver, CO, April 6, 2025 – As a part of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) is inviting communities across Colorado to come together in support of outdoor and environmental learning through the Outside for 5 campaign.

Outside for 5 lifts up the five big benefits of outdoor and environmental learning and calls on families, educators, school leaders, community organizations, and supporters to take collective action. By signing on, community members help demonstrate broad support for learning experiences that strengthen students, schools, and communities.

Originally launched in 2022 in response to declining youth mental health and increased educator burnout, the campaign has evolved to reflect today’s challenges and opportunities. Students and communities continue to navigate complex issues, from mental health and climate change to social connection and belonging, making outdoor learning environments more important than ever.

Research consistently shows that outdoor and environmental learning delivers meaningful benefits for young people, including:

• Enhancing Learning and Critical Thinking: Outdoor experiences boost focus, creativity, and curiosity, supporting strong academic growth.
• Supporting Mental and Emotional Health: Time outside reduces stress, builds confidence, and helps students feel calmer and happier.
• Promoting Strong, Healthy Bodies: Outdoor movement and play improve coordination and overall physical well-being.
• Empowering Leadership, Collaboration, and Problem-Solving Skills: Students learn to communicate, cooperate, and navigate real-world challenges together.
• Inspiring a Lifelong Connection and Care for Nature: Regular outdoor experiences foster connection to the natural world and encourage long-term stewardship.

In recognition of the benefits of learning outdoors, Governor Polis has declared April 19 – 25, 2026 as Outside for Five Week in Colorado. Download the Proclamation.

“Outdoor and environmental learning isn’t something educators can—or should—carry alone,” said Katie Navin, Executive Director of the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education. “When communities come together to support learning outside, we create healthier, more connected environments where students can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.”

The Outside for 5 campaign emphasizes that learning outside happens in many forms and places—from schoolyards and local parks to neighborhoods and community spaces—and that community support plays a critical role in making those experiences possible.

“Our goal is to build visible, collective momentum around outdoor learning,” said Sarah Bodor, NAAEE’s Director of Policy & Affiliate Relations. “By signing on, community members show that they value student well-being, meaningful learning, and a strong connection to the natural world.”

CAEE invites families, educators, school leaders, community partners, and supporters to add their names in support of outdoor and environmental learning and to be part of a growing national movement.

To learn more about the five big benefits and sign on in support, visit www.outsidefor5.com.

About the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education (CAEE) 

Environmental and outdoor education experiences are like charging stations that power up learning and enhance skills that will help Coloradans care for our world and sustain it for future generations. For over 30 years, the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education has been supporting the network of over 850 educators in classrooms, nonprofits, nature centers, government agencies, higher education, businesses, and more who build these experiences with opportunities for professional development, generating and sharing new ideas, and community support.  Together, we are wiring up an extensive circuitry of rich contexts and collaborators in environmental and outdoor learning that support ALL schools, families, and communities across Colorado. To learn more about the Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education visit www.caee.org. 

About the NAAEE Affiliate Network

The North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network supports the many types of educators who teach concepts we all need to understand: how natural systems work, what we must do to interact responsibly with the environment, and how we can protect natural resources for future generations. We are the largest network of environmental educators in North America. Collectively, we inspire educators, schools, and communities to impact conservation, education, social justice, health and wellness, and positive youth development. Find your Affiliate: https://naaee.org/affiliates