When we launched the 2025 to 2026 Outdoor Learning Challenge, we set an ambitious goal of reaching 10 million hours of outdoor learning.
Thanks to the incredible commitment of educators, students, schools, families, and organizations, we not only reached our goal, we surpassed it. Together, participants logged an incredible 12,602,918 hours of outdoor learning.
Every hour represents children and youth learning, exploring, playing, creating, and connecting outdoors. From schoolyards and forests to parks, trails, community spaces, and neighbourhoods, learners experienced the many benefits of spending time outside.
This achievement demonstrates the growing momentum behind outdoor learning and the dedication of educators who continue to create meaningful opportunities for learning beyond the indoor classroom.
To everyone who participated in this year's challenge, whether by tracking hours, sharing stories, supporting colleagues, or inspiring learners to spend more time outdoors, thank you. This milestone belongs to all of you. Together, we exceeded our goal by more than 2.6 million hours and showed what is possible when outdoor learning becomes a regular part of education.
We are grateful to every participant who helped make this achievement possible and look forward to continuing this journey together.
12,608,918 hours. Countless experiences. Endless opportunities to learn outside.
The Learning Challenge invites educators across North America to commit to taking their learners outside at least once a week from September to June. You won’t be doing it alone – you’ll have support from us and a growing network of fellow educators who are embracing outdoor learning too.
Outdoor learning is engaging, safe, and fun – and it comes with a wide range of physical, mental, and emotional health benefits for both students and educators. Whether you’re in a public school, childcare centre, or post-secondary setting, this challenge is designed to be simple, flexible, and rewarding
Monthly inspiration and a curated list of outdoor learning resources that are curriculum-connected and age-level specific
Access to seasonal virtual gatherings and professional development events
20% off Take Me Outside Apparel + 5% off at the Outdoor Learning School & Store
A certificate of participation and chances to win prizes for you and your learners each month
A space to connect and share ideas with educators across North America
1. Sign up!
Register for the Take Me Outside for Learning Challenge to get started. Signing up also includes automatic participation in Take Me Outside Day this October!
2. Commit to getting outside weekly.
Set a goal of at least one hour per week outdoors with your learners. Whether it’s class time, recess, lunch, or field trips – it all counts! Each month, we will add 1 hour a week for the total number of learners signed up; feel like going outside more? Submit your extra hours for a chance to win even more prizes and for a chance to find yourself on the outdoor learning leader board!
3. Share your journey for a chance to win awesome class prizes!!
Share your Learning Challenge moments with us by clicking here. Each month we will pick a learning challenge moment to feature in our monthly mailout. You can also email us your stories and photos!
4. Spread the word.
Invite your colleagues to join! Together, we can make outdoor learning a regular part of education across North America.
2025-26 Prizes Winners:
Laura Padulo (Ontario) - Grand Prize #1: $500 Gift Card to the Outdoor Learning School and Store donated by Pac FUNS
Rana Nelson (BC) - Grand Prize #2: Complimentary Conference Registration for the 2027 Outdoor Learning Conference!
| Name | Hours |
|---|---|
| Learning Challenge Participation | 8,018,782 Hours |
| Learning Challenge Participation | 2,954,600 Hours |
| Learning Challenge Participation | 1,477,300 Hours |
| Melissa Skrhak | 17,028 Hours |
| Advanced Learning Academy Primary | 10,560 Hours |
| Nicole DeLory | 10,138 Hours |
| GSES - Laura Bradlee & Aiden Hanrahan | 9,504 Hours |
| Gabriella Dumitru | 6,029 Hours |
| Nicole Delory | 5,975 Hours |
| D\'Arcy Davis | 4,500 Hours |
