Quick look: Inside the Outdoors, OCDE’s hands-on science program, was recently featured at the Orange County State of Education event, celebrating 50 years of environmental education and the $15 million effort to rebuild its Rancho Soñado site.
The Orange County Department of Education’s Inside the Outdoors program was spotlighted for its lasting impact on students during the March 13 Orange County State of Education.
The video segment — produced by the OCDE Media Services unit — featured the program’s immersive approach to environmental learning, from hands-on field trips at outdoor science sites to its Traveling Scientist program, which brings lessons and animal ambassadors directly into classrooms. It also pointed to ongoing efforts to rebuild its Rancho Soñado site.
Marking the recent celebration of its 50th anniversary, Inside the Outdoors has reached more than 3.5 million students, creating opportunities for young learners to connect with the natural world.
“Inside the Outdoors has become a tradition in schools throughout Orange County,” said Yarib Dheming, School and Community Outreach Manager. “I’ve seen students come through the program in kindergarten and come back in sixth grade, and come back in middle and high school, and parents just talk about the impact through the decades of programs that have been offered.”
The countywide gathering, presented by County Superintendent Dr. Stefan Bean, brought together nearly 400 educators, government officials and community leaders to share education insights while showcasing programs that serve nearly 430,000 students.
ITO Operations Manager Stephanie Smith said she has seen many students experience their first-ever field trip through the program, as the hands-on, outdoor aspect helps them connect more with what they have learned in the classroom.
The video also reflected on the loss of Rancho Soñado, the program’s longtime home base, which was destroyed in the 2020 Bond Fire. In response, the Orange County Board of Education and OCDE have committed $15 million to rebuild the site located in the Santa Ana mountains, a project that will expand outdoor education opportunities for students across the region.
Despite the setback, the program has continued to grow and serve approximately 120,000 young learners last year through its various classroom and field trip offerings. With the project soon underway, the Inside the Outdoors team sees the rebuild as an opportunity to recreate the site as a central hub for environmental education in Orange County.
“Rancho Soñado over 20 years inspired not only students that came out on this site, but it inspired all of the Inside the Outdoors staff,” Smith said. “This place became a sanctuary for folks to connect with nature and the real world. It’s just a really exciting time to come back and reconnect.”