AEOE (the Association for Environmental and Outdoor Education) is dedicated to the education of children and to helping them increase their awareness and understanding of their natural environment.  This organization believes in the potential of education to help children perceive and understand environmental principles and problems. 

We encourage carefully planned and sustained programs of formal and informal education.  By exploring personal values and providing involvement based on student perceptions, interests and competence, we seek the development of a personal ethic appropriate to the enhancement of environmental quality. 

To this end, we continuously support educators in their quest for the skills, attitudes and materials so essential to help learners know and care about their environment.

VISION:
Through regular participation in environmental and outdoor education, learners will gain the knowledge, skills and inspiration to help them understand, respect and care for themselves, their communities and their environment.  These values will be reflected in a world where:

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  • All people in our diverse society have equal access to environmental and outdoor education.
  • A variety of environmental and outdoor education opportunities are consistently provided through schools, community groups, government and non-profit agencies, and all students attend a residential outdoor science school at least once.
  • Environmental education is integrated throughout the traditional school curriculum.
  • At every level of education, teachers and students go outdoors to explore, appreciate and care for the natural world on school grounds, throughout local communities and into natural areas.
  • Learners have a strong connection to their natural environments, whether wilderness, rural or urban, resulting in a deep and nurturing sense of place.
  • First-hand experience and environmental service learning projects develop critical thinkers who make sound environmental decisions and actively move our society toward sustainable practices.
  • Recognition and support of educators and programs providing environmental and outdoor education is an integral part of California’s educational system and society.