Champlain Discovery Public School has been named the winner of Bienenstock Natural Playgrounds’ (BNP) annual OutClass™ Outdoor Classroom Giveaway. Students and staff can look forward to enriched education, better mental and physical wellness, stronger social development, and new sparks of creativity.
Kristen Niemi, Director of Education with the Renfrew County District School Board knows the there are proven benefits to outdoor learning which this new learning environment is specifically designed for:
With more than 25,000 contest entries, the program reflects the growing demand among educators and families for healthier, sustainable alternatives to traditional classrooms.
“This outdoor classroom will truly reshape how our students learn,” said Tricia Robinson, Vice Principal of Champlain Discovery. “It allows them to engage directly with nature, leading to deeper understanding. The space also fosters creativity and teamwork in ways a regular classroom cannot.”
The win highlights a broader shift toward nature-based learning, now being embraced by schools in both rural and urban communities. Niemi hints that this outdoor classroom at Champlain might be the first of several if all goes as planned:
“Nature provides a unique perspective,” said John El-Raheb, CEO of BNP. “When students learn outdoors, more senses are engaged, focus improves, and the benefits carry back inside. Just 60 minutes in nature can make all the difference.” He goes on to say:
One of the biggest benefits of the approach El-Raheb adds is that the configuration of the “classroom” can change if needs require and additions can be made to further enhance the nature friendly design.
To learn more about the contest, visit outdoorclassrooms.com/outclass-giveaway-form
(Written By: Richard Evans)