Gaining Support
Whether your club is new or well-established, high school outdoor clubs require support and buy-in from the school administration (principal, vice principal, superintendent, etc.), as well as the school board, parents, teachers, students each year.
These audiences have different interests and concerns. Teens to Trails has developed materials to help you communicate why an outdoor club is worthwhile.
To start, read Teens to Trails mission, beliefs and values.
Outdoor Club Support Strategy
Print & provide the Teens To Trails “High School Outdoor Club” brochure to your principal.
Share with them the preparation you have done
Be ready to discuss the benefits of an Outdoor Club, including:
Emotional and physical well-being of students
Improvements in school performance: test scores, attention span & motivation to learn
Meaningful connections to caring adults
Strong relationships with peers built through shared experiences
Be ready to discuss your plans to ensure that trips are safe
Bring interested students with you to explain why they would join this club
Understand the Status of Your School’s Outdoor Club:
An outdoor club is an extracurricular activity that exists concurrently with other after school activities.
Create a message appropriate for your school to begin and/or continue to receive support using the resources below.
First and foremost, be prepared to explain to school administrators how an outdoor club benefits students.
Presentation with Talking Points for Recruiting Students
“Outdoor Benefits Bibliography” Scientific research documenting benefits.
