Think Outside Has Expanded Nature Programs in Boston

The nonprofit now provides outdoor learning opportunities for students at two local public schools.

Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Primary Education

Think Outside Has Expanded Nature Programs in Boston

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Should your local schools integrate regular outdoor nature-based learning into the standard school curriculum?

The nonprofit Think Outside has grown its nature-based education programming to include students at Bates Elementary School this fall. The organization focuses on improving the health of Boston students by facilitating weekly outdoor learning sessions.

Why it matters

Founders Marie O'Reilly and Ben Strauss created the program to increase the amount of time children spend in nature. They aim to boost student mental and physical wellness through consistent, guided outdoor activity.

The program serves more than 200 public school students, including 96 pre-K children from Curley K-8 School. Each classroom participates in 10 sessions per season, with each Nature Day excursion lasting 2.5 hours.

The players

Think Outside

This nonprofit organization provides nature-based educational programming to public school students in Boston.

Marie O'Reilly

She co-founded the nonprofit Think Outside in 2025 to increase student access to outdoor learning environments.

Ben Strauss

He is a co-founder of the nonprofit Think Outside and helps lead the organization's efforts to integrate nature into public education.

Curley K-8 School

This Boston public school serves as a primary partner for the nature-based pilot programs.

Bates Elementary

This Boston public school began hosting nature-based programs in fall 2026.

The details

Nature Guides facilitate these excursions to local green spaces, including the Emerald Necklace near Ward's Pond. To ensure accessibility, program staff provide both students and adults with weather-appropriate gear for the sessions.

Marie O'Reilly and Ben Strauss founded Think Outside in 2025.
The nonprofit partnered with Curley K-8 School in spring 2026.
A fundraiser and family celebration took place in May 2026.
Programming expanded to Bates Elementary in fall 2026.

Culture Shift

The rise of Think Outside reflects a growing push toward integrating outdoor learning into urban public education to counter digital-heavy environments. This model moves beyond traditional classroom settings to prioritize nature as a primary site for early child development.

Families at partner schools can expect their children to spend significant time outdoors with provided weather gear during school hours. Parents should coordinate with school administrators to prepare children for the weekly 2.5-hour excursions to local parks.

The takeaway

Regular time spent in nature can offer students significant physical and mental health benefits during their formative years. Families interested in similar programming can explore local park excursions as a way to supplement their children's outdoor activity outside of the school day.