Every year at Pali Institute is guided by one core goal: helping students learn beyond the classroom through meaningful, hands-on outdoor education experiences. In 2025, that mission came to life at an extraordinary scale.
Outdoor Education at Pali Institute is not just about attendance. It is about time spent learning outdoors, relationships built across schools, and measurable impact that extends well beyond campus. This year, tens of thousands of students traveled to Pali Institute to explore science, teamwork, and personal growth in an immersive outdoor setting. That impact reached classrooms, districts, and communities across the western United States.
Below is a snapshot of what Outdoor Education looked like at Pali Institute in 2025.
Learning Beyond the Classroom, at Scale
In 2025, Pali Institute welcomed 36,656 students from 559 schools, representing 105 school districts. These students did not simply visit campus. They participated in structured, experiential learning designed to deepen academic understanding, build confidence, and strengthen group dynamics through direct experience.
More than three-quarters of attending schools returned to Pali Institute, reflecting the trust educators place in our programs year after year and the value Outdoor Education brings to their students.
Trips ranged from single-day programs to immersive multi-day experiences, with the majority of students participating in our signature three-day Outdoor Education trips. These programs allow students to engage deeply with science concepts, environmental awareness, and collaborative learning in a way that cannot be replicated indoors.
A Regional and National Reach
While most schools traveled from California, Pali Institute also welcomed schools from Nevada, Arizona, and Texas. Some groups traveled just a few miles. Others crossed state lines to bring their students to the mountains.
From neighboring schools to those traveling from across the country, every group arrived with the same goal: to give students an experience that extends learning beyond textbooks and into the real world.
Supporting Students and Educators
Delivering Outdoor Education at this scale requires thoughtful planning and care. In 2025, Pali Institute provided more than 260,000 meals to students participating in Outdoor Education programs, ensuring that each group was supported throughout their stay.
In addition, 2,483 educators attended alongside their students, partnering with our staff to create safe, enriching, and well-structured learning environments. Teachers and chaperones play a critical role in the success of every trip, and we value the trust they place in our program.
Hours That Matter
Perhaps the most meaningful impact of Outdoor Education is measured not just in attendance, but in time spent learning.
In 2025, students at Pali Institute collectively experienced 650,000+ hours of hands-on learning in nature. These hours represent curiosity sparked, confidence built, and lessons absorbed through direct experience.
During this time, students conducted field science, practiced collaboration, challenged themselves in new environments, and developed a deeper understanding of their impact on the world around them. Whether studying ecosystems, working as a team, or discovering new strengths, students left with learning that extends far beyond their time on campus.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on 2025, we are deeply grateful to the schools, educators, and students who made this year possible. Outdoor Education continues to be a powerful tool for academic growth, personal development, and connection to the natural world.
As we look ahead, Pali Institute remains committed to creating meaningful Outdoor Education experiences that support academic goals, student growth, and learning beyond the classroom.