NAAEE Affiliate Network highlights five powerful benefits of learning outside and the role communities play in student well-being
Concord, NH, April 2026 – As part of the North American Association for Environmental Education (NAAEE) Affiliate Network, the New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE) is inviting communities across New Hampshire 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.
“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.
As part of this broader effort to elevate outdoor learning across the state, NHEE submitted a request to designate April 2026 as Outdoor Learning Month in New Hampshire. We are thrilled to share that Governor Kelly Ayotte has officially proclaimed April as Outdoor Learning Month, recognizing the powerful role that outdoor experiences play in supporting student learning, health, and environmental stewardship. This proclamation highlights New Hampshire’s commitment to ensuring all learners have access to meaningful, place-based educational opportunities.
“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.”
NHEE 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 New Hampshire Environmental Educators (NHEE)
A statewide network dedicated to advancing environmental literacy, NHEE is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 1979. NHEE’s mission is to inspire connection to our natural world by supporting high-quality environmental education and strengthening a collaborative network of educators and partners across New Hampshire. We believe everyone has a role to play in environmental learning and work to engage a diverse community of schools, nonprofits, agencies, and individuals statewide. At the heart of our work is professional development for educators, offering workshops, conferences, and year-round learning opportunities that build confidence and capacity to teach outdoors and integrate environmental literacy across disciplines. Since 2018, NHEE has also awarded over $117,000 in grants through the NHEE’d to Get Outside program, supporting hands-on outdoor learning experiences for more than 15,000 students across the state. In addition, NHEE leads statewide efforts to advance environmental literacy through the New Hampshire Environmental Literacy Plan, helping ensure all learners have access to meaningful outdoor experiences and the knowledge and skills to care for their communities and environment. Learn more about NHEE at: www.nhee.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, community resilience, health and wellness, and positive youth development. Find your Affiliate: https://naaee.org/affiliates
