Of course, coordinating these events or any large-scale activity is pretty intense; you have to make sure your event doesn't conflict with anything else going on that particular week, you have to communicate with teachers and find volunteers, and when students are involved in making artwork or writing clues or what-have-you, there's an extra layer of coordination and time commitment. Then when the time comes you cross your fingers and hope the weather holds out, with no thunderstorms or subzero temperatures that could blow the whole thing.
These events and activities certainly have an impact. They raise the profile of our school and give us something to brag about (however humbly), and the kids experience the excitement and community-building of large, coordinated outdoor activities.
But today I want to bring your attention to the advantages of being outside in natural spaces in a different way. Many classes go outside on a regular basis. For example, just about every Wednesday, third grade classes go out to the woods behind the school for short observation activities. They call it "Woods Wednesday" and it has become routine.
And then, every so often, if a class has done an especially good job in the woods, they might, just might, get 5 minutes on the snow pile all to themselves.