Amit “Zodiak” Patel
“I attended Outdoor School in 1993. Before this, I had never had an opportunity to truly experience and learn about nature and the outdoors. However, ODS is not just about outdoor education; it’s also about relationships and memories made while at resource, mealtime, or campfire.”
I attended Outdoor School in 1993 as a sixth grader in the Parkrose School District. Before this, I had never had an opportunity to truly experience and learn about nature and the outdoors. ODS not only provided me an appreciation for these things, but also gave me some of my fondest grade school memories that still vividly stick with me today. My incredible ODS experience led me to become a Student Leader when I was in high school at the very same camp I had attended in sixth grade (Eagle Fern). Just as it did back then, ODS created a lasting impression on me and I returned multiple times as a Student Leader. Nature is boundless – and I learned something new or saw something in a different way each time I visited. However, ODS is not just about outdoor education; it’s also about relationships and memories made while at resource, mealtime, or campfire. It is my sincere hope that all sixth graders get an opportunity to experience Outdoor School and create their own memories. While I now reside in Dallas, TX, Outdoor School continues to be a part of my life. I regularly sing the campfire songs I learned at ODS with my two-year-old son, who can’t get enough!
