By Raelynn Schuety
Executive Director Pete Smerud and Program Director Rebecca Meyer recently attended the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA) 2025 Outdoor School Summit in Maryland. This premier bi-annual gathering brings together leaders in outdoor education to discuss challenges, share successes, and shape the future of outdoor schools across the nation.
A Unique and Transformative Conference Experience
Unlike traditional conferences, ANCA’s Outdoor School Summit follows an open-space format, meaning the agenda isn’t set until attendees arrive. This dynamic approach allows participants—leaders in the field with decades of experience—to craft discussions based on real-time needs and collective expertise. Pete and Becky found this structure to be one of the most enriching and rejuvenating professional development experiences available for outdoor school administrators.
With 85 leaders representing outdoor schools from across the country, the conference fostered an unparalleled exchange of ideas. Attendees tackled challenges, shared best practices, and collaborated on solutions tailored to their unique programs. Wolf Ridge’s presence was particularly impactful, as many outdoor schools in attendance—from Washington to Maine to Minnesota—have been modeled after Wolf Ridge’s proven success.
Leading the Conversation on Outdoor School for All
Pete and Becky played a major role in the conference, helping to guide discussions and lead multiple sessions. Pete served as a producer for a podcast that will explore barriers to outdoor education, its importance, and the long-term outcomes for students. Wolf Ridge also led a session on “Outdoor School for All,” a national movement advocating for legislative support to ensure every student has access to outdoor education. Currently, nine states are working on Outdoor School for All legislation, and Wolf Ridge is helping pave the way by sharing its expertise.
Another critical session led by Wolf Ridge focused on integrating a Native narrative into outdoor education. With service providers representing 31 different states, this discussion expanded understanding of how to authentically incorporate Indigenous perspectives into environmental learning. The broader conversation centered on how providers can apply lessons learned from Wolf Ridge to develop stronger, more collaborative relationships with Native communities.
NorthBay: A Bold and Innovative Model
Held at NorthBay, the largest residential environmental learning center (RELC) in the U.S. with a 700-bed facility, the summit also provided a chance to see innovative approaches in action. NorthBay, modeled in part after Wolf Ridge, operates with a business model that successfully engages a diverse youth audience. One of its unique elements is its use of media, theater, and music—ranging from hip-hop to classic rock—to connect with students in a culturally relevant way.
From flashing lights and comedy to live bands and storytelling, NorthBay’s approach taps into youth culture to reinforce environmental education. This method, proven over 15 years, shows that thinking outside the box can make outdoor education more engaging and effective. Additionally, NorthBay provides a retreat-like experience for teachers, offering them a space to recharge while their students fully immerse themselves in learning.
Looking Ahead
The ANCA Summit reaffirmed Wolf Ridge’s leadership in the outdoor education field. As a long-time champion of outdoor school, Wolf Ridge continues to raise the capacity of programs nationwide, providing a model for success and a pathway for others to follow. With national momentum building for Outdoor School for All, Wolf Ridge remains at the forefront, ensuring every child has the opportunity to learn and grow through immersive outdoor experiences.
As Pete and Becky return from Maryland, they bring back new insights, strengthened connections, and a renewed commitment to shaping the future of outdoor education. Stay tuned for more updates as Wolf Ridge continues to lead the way!
