Helping educators provide meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom

What is the ODC Education Network?

The Education Network was created in 2016 in an effort to provide consultation services and professional development training to connect student learning to the outdoors. Our staff work with educators, administrators and members of the community to build and provide nature-based experiences for students. Leading by example, our mission is to provide access to high quality experiences that bring together communities, children, educators and their natural world. Together we learn the work by doing the work!

Our Work

The ODC Network maintains contracts with over 47 area schools and local organizations while also facilitating independent experiences that engage students and educators in nature-based learning. The Education Network team is committed to helping teachers develop skills to independently lead children on meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom.

Nature Based Middle School Programs

Hamilton Community Schools demonstrates the success of their middle school nature based education program in this short video about STREAM School.
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Natural Play and Learn Spaces

Natural play enhances cognitive abilities, reduces stress, improves self-discipline, and encourages imaginative play and active life styles.
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The Outdoor Educator's Classroom Bootcamp

10-13 mini-lessons to develop expectations, protocols, and safety guidelines for meaningful, safe, and productive learning beyond the classroom.
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Our Team

Bob Wandel

Education Network Director
Prior to starting at ODC, Bob taught nature-based middle school in Hamilton Schools' STREAM School program. Bob has been involved with the OAISD FuturePrep'd Design thinking and has his Masters in Business Management. He appreciates that the ODC's team is highly committed to their community. He lives on the northside of Holland with his wife Kelly and daughters Ellie and Riley.

Ted Malefyt

Education Network Manager
Ted joined ODC because has a desire to provide more support for schools and teachers wanting to have meaningful learning experiences outdoors. He was led to this field because he has a deep belief that it is a human right to have ongoing access to the natural world. He enjoys rethinking education by giving students a chance to learn outside the four walls of a classroom. He enjoys fishing, mountain biking with family, traveling, and learning in his spare time.

Our experienced team of outdoor education professionals boasts a wealth of expertise in nature-based curriculum development and implementation. We’ll assist your staff and classrooms with the facilitation of impactful outdoor learning opportunities custom-tailored to your unique needs.

What Others are Saying About Us

Ready to Bring Your Classroom Outdoors?

Get in touch with us using the contact form below. One of our experts will get back with you as soon as possible.