CISPUS: OUTDOOR SCHOOL

Cispus is an outdoor school refuge, where our students visit for one week in their 5th grade year. Students learn all about the great forests around us: the wildlife, survival skills, and how to know if the forest is healthy.

Cispus Outdoor School 2025 Info

We’re excited for this year’s Cispus Outdoor School experience! This is an amazing opportunity for our 5th grade students to learn, explore, and build connections in the great outdoors.

Need help packing? Use this handy checklist!

Key details:

Campfire Info Night:

  • When: Wednesday, September 17, 6 to 7 PM

  • Where: Sunset Ridge Intermediate School

  • Details: Attendance is not required. This is simply an opportunity for families to:

    • Meet the 5th grade teaching teams and camp counselors

    • Ask questions about Cispus

    • Complete permission slips and submit payments, if ready

Permission Slips:

Opt-Out Option:

Families who do not wish for their student to attend may complete this Opt-Out Form

Coming Soon: FAQ

We’ll be posting a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) soon to help answer common questions about Cispus Outdoor School. Please stay tuned!

CISPUS

NATURE'S CLASSROOM

fire

Geology
Astronomy
Macro-invertebrates
How to build fires and shelter
Biology
Compasses
and so much more!

waterfall

Students embark on an annual hike to the waterfall. There they will learn how to tell if the soil is fertile, and what insects live there.

fort

Lifetime memories are made!

WHAT TO EXPECT

SAMPLE SCHEDULE

Monday 5-lS2A,B

S1: Yellow Jacket Pond Hike, Animal Observations
S2: Food Chains/Webs
S3: Plant Studies: Nurse Log, Plant Classifications

ABOUT CISPUS

cispus logo link

MUST HAVES

Warm Clothing
4 days worth of clothes
5 pairs of socks and undergarments
2 pairs of hiking shoes
jeans or long pants
jacket
1 pair of shorts
gloves
hat

Health and Cleanliness Items
towel and washcloth
soap
hairbrush and/or comb
tooth brush and toothpaste
Kleenex and/or handkerchiefs
shampoo/conditioner
chapstick
large plastic bags for dirty clothes
water bottle

Study Items
day pack
2 pencils/pens
clipboard
camera
flashlight or head lamp
extra batteries

CANNOT HAVES

Valuables
jewelry, money, or phones

Electronics
gameboys, ipods, radios, etc.
any item that may cause conflict

Fire starters

Food
(except for the first day)

WANT TO BE A COUNSELOR?

HISTORY

CISPUS STORY

CISPUS TODAY