The Outsiders

Today, the planet is the only proper "in group".

-Joseph Campbell-

Together, we're learning how to create a sustainable future for all.

About Us - Rebels with a cause

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Systems thinking, Social-Emotional Learning and Eco-literacy are at the core of The Outsiders Ranch. We offer our learners themes, prompts, and projects that encourage one to wonder (and wander when needed) in nature and its seasons. Every day, outdoor, place-based learning happens naturally here with the earth as our lead teacher.

The Outsiders' Ranch is a place for kids who have opted out of traditional schooling to join a pack that has made a different pact about "being cool" - one that prioritizes how we care for ourselves, each another, and the one precious planet upon which we all depend. The Outsiders' Ranch is a place where neurodiversity and biodiversity are valued as precious gifts to be protected and nurtured.

Do what you can...

Global warming. It ain't cool.

These are extraordinary times and "ready or not" we've jumped into what we've long wanted to do - create a bigger pack! Even before the pandemic, outside education had proven to be the healthiest path for us - physically, mentally, and emotionally. We are hoping that a silver lining to the Covid crisis might just be that other kids get a chance to experience the wonder and well-being of holistic nature-based education.

We start every day at The Outsiders' Ranch with Arthur Ashe's enduring advice "Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can." Never short on projects we strive to fold curious life-learners into our ranch work whenever and however possible.

Powered by empowered learners

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Powered by empowered learners

The Outsiders is not just for kids, whenever possible it is made BY the kids themselves.

We are learning how to not only dream up our own projects but how to get them funded too! Fall 2022 we will be launching our Etsy store. And, perhaps most exciting, this summer we launched The Outsiders' Inn - a learner-operated guest lodge for travelers, fellow life learners, and teachers!

Got a specialty in democratic education? Permaculture for the high desert? Riparian Zones? Bee Keeping? Nature Journaling? Natural Horsemanship? Wheel Pottery? Spanish? Japanese? Wood carving? Wilderness survival? Dance? Bee Keeping? Forest theatre? We have sooooo many things we want to learn - please let us know what you have to share and stay in trade.

Current Projects

The "Not Buying It Club"

At the intersection of social-emotional learning and climate action is the perfect opportunity for craftivism! Calling all Tinker Belles, Maker Moms, DIY Dads...this is a call to any and all rebels who hold the planet as their cause (and a glue gun in their holster):

Join us Fridays on the ranch and, together, let's make things better!

We are using the compassionate leadership curriculum from Roots and Shoots to self-organize ourselves into a craftivist collective focused on the climate crisis. Eager for all ages of life learners to join us!

Wild Child Wednesdays

The "Not Buying It Club"

Project based outdoor learning at The Outsiders' Ranch in Fall River. September is crayfish studies on the Little Deschutes River in the back yard. Early October we'll be on the hunt for the annual fish salvage. Then, we're onto understanding our Ponderosa Pine forest and wild fires! Only the snow will stop us...or will it? Anyone up for igloo engineering in December? Learn more....

Tinker Belles

The "Not Buying It Club"

Put Up You're Ukes!

Drop in Thursdays, from 1-4 pm, for Tinker Belles - our girls-only maker space. Sometimes sporting tulle and always equipped with the right tools this group of girls is all about making dreams come true! First time tinkerer? Join us! All you need to do is Make Believe in yourself! *This is a truly self-directed space with a Maker Mom on hand as support but only upon request. Our goal: Stay out of the way and let creativity flow!

Put Up You're Ukes!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

Put Up You're Ukes!

This is not a rehearsal! With hardships from climate change already effecting daily life we think it's high time to beat a drum about changing our ways! We're raising our voices with some Fightin' Songs for Climate Action! So, bang your gong - it's on! Join our community uprising, weekly, at The Outsiders Ranch while the weather's on our side.

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

Join us for four days of fun, Tuesday-Friday following Labor Day, as we don't go back to school and kick off (with gusto) another year of learning at The Outsiders' Ranch. Come for the camp, stay for a season...why not join us all year? After camp we plan to meet every "Make a Difference Monday"!

INN coming!!!!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

Inn Coming! The Outsiders' Inn is a kid-run bed and breakfast. And so far its proving to be our best all-encompassing learning project yet! We can now host visiting co-learners. We'll share through a guest log what each visitor teaches us and what they learn in return! Coming soon, a whole page dedicated to The Outsiders' Inn.

Take Me To The Outsiders' Inn

About Us - Rebels with a cause

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Do what you can...

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Powered by empowered learners

Global warming. It ain't cool.

Powered by empowered learners

Current Projects

The "Not Buying It Club"

The "Not Buying It Club"

The "Not Buying It Club"

Wild Child Wednesdays

The "Not Buying It Club"

The "Not Buying It Club"

Tinker Belles

The "Not Buying It Club"

Put Up You're Ukes!

Put Up You're Ukes!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

Put Up You're Ukes!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

INN coming!!!!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

September Kicks Off a New Year of Learning!

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The Outsiders' Ranch