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The Council of Outdoor Learning (COOL) is an initiative of the Environmental Education Alliance of Georgia (EEA) and is comprised of various organizations and individuals who share a passion for every aspect of outdoor learning areas.
COOL serves teachers, parents, principals, and community volunteers as a resource link, providing up-to-date training and information to those interested in using the outdoors as an extension of the classroom.
 Awards
Outstanding Outdoor Learning Educator
An individual teacher, parent, principal, administrator, or community volunteer who has contributed in significant and meaningful ways to the design, development, or use of outdoor learning centers on a school or other educational institution’s campus and has demonstrated professional excellence and commitment to outdoor learning.
Outstanding Outdoor Learning Program
A school or educational organization that has an active outdoor learning center or program that merits recognition and acclaim. The nominee must have made significant contributions towards an innovative, unique, novel program that connect students to outdoor learning and academic achievement.
Selection:
One nominee from each category will be selected for recognition. The selection committee will decide the merits of nominees based on information, recommendations, and accomplishments provided by the nominators. The committee will choose a candidate that offers a significant contribution, exceptional accomplishment, educational-related, and is a positive role model. The winning recipients will receive a registration scholarship to attend the 2011 Outdoor Learning Symposium on Friday, October 21 at Georgia Perimeter College, Decatur, Georgia. They will also win $100.00 to be used to enhance their outdoor learning center at their school or educational institution.
Deadline:
Please submit nominations using the online forms above by Wednesday, October 5, 2011. Winners will be notified no later than October 8, 2011.
Resources
Outdoor Learning Symposium: Annual fall symposium bringing together educators from across the state. This one day Symposium provides an opportunity for sharing lessons learned and inspiring teachers to take their kids outside!
Outdoor Learning Guide: Need guidance all year? This Guide will provide information and resources to guide your creation, use and maintenance of an outdoor learning space.
Outdoor Learning Service Award: These awards are presented every year and nominations are now being accepted (see award section above). Follow this link to revisit past award winning programs.
Grants
Grants are an excellent method of funding part or all of your Outdoor Classroom. This grant information from EEinGeorgia.org can help you along the way.
COOL Mini-Grant
COOL is excited to announce that the new Outdoor Learning Mini-grants program will continue in 2011 for projects to be completed in 2012, offering mini-grants ranging from $50 - $500 to support outdoor learning in Georgia.
The deadline to apply for a COOL Outdoor Learning Mini-Grant has passed.
Grant Guidelines
Scoring Rubric
Seventeen applicants applied for the mini-grants in 2010. Only limited funds prevented more of the outstanding proposals from being funded. Donations for the mini-grant fund are gratefully accepted by EEA at any time (specify in comment box that donation is for COOL mini-grant fund).
Check out projects from past grant recipients.
Best Practices
Check out “Planning First to Make Your Outdoor Classroom Last; A Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide for Creating and Sustaining Outdoor Classrooms in Georgia” by Georgia Wildlife Federation
Thanks to our supporters!
The Council of Outdoor Learning receives support from the following organizations and individuals:
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