§5303. Outdoor education program provider requirements
This section governs the requirements for outdoor education program providers.
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
1.
Program curricula.
The program must:
A.
Use the outdoors and local ecosystems as the primary context to support hands-on learning, including lessons, meals and on-site living;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
B.
Engage students in safe and age-appropriate activities;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
C.
Focus on the State's outdoor heritage, science, engineering, technology, mathematics, health, environment and natural resources and sustainability by including a strong academic component that supports overall academic achievement and career trajectories and connects science with other subjects to support students' understanding of:
(1)
Conserving and developing marine and estuarine resources;
(2)
Conducting scientific research;
(3)
Promoting the State's coastal fishing industries;
(4)
Protecting and managing fish, game and other wildlife and their habitats, including restoring endangered species;
(5)
Promoting agriculture, conservation, forestry, land management and the well-being of domestic animals;
(6)
Safely enjoying the outdoors; and
(7)
Promoting public health;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
D.
Develop students' social and emotional skills, including teamwork, citizenship, self-awareness and community responsibility;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
E.
Support students' health and wellness by developing an appreciation for education and recreation in the outdoors;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
F.
Encourage hands-on engagement, observation, discovery, intellectual curiosity and problem-solving; and
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
G.
Support students and teachers to combat the learning loss associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
2.
Program structure.
An outdoor education program provider shall:
A.
Comply with the requirements of chapter 927 regarding licensed guides, youth camp trip leaders or educational trip leaders, as appropriate.
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
B.
Provide outdoor programs for a 2-night, 3-day experience or day programs when overnight programs are impractical due to health or cultural considerations;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
C.
Pursue a sustainable funding model;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
D.
Collaborate with schools and teachers to provide access to the program;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
E.
Pledge to provide equitable access to the program to all students;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
F.
Train educators in educational strategies and field work;
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
G.
Develop and participate in an evaluation program in accordance with section 5305; and
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
H.
Promote high levels of accessibility for students with disabilities.
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
[PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).]
SECTION HISTORY
PL 2025, c. 84, §1 (NEW).