The 2024 – 2025 Great Outdoors Recess Program application process is open for all elementary and K-8 schools!
To apply and view pricing, please complete this FORM.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeFjTKnxhBSHBRBsVFLFZbxi6hlMw3M7Oj5laLXx64ZObV3CA/viewform
HOW IT WORKS:
Great Outdoors will assign a Recess Coach to partner schools to take a lead role alongside recess staff to maximize safe, active play at recess. Each coach is supported by a full-time program coordinator and a senior Recess coach who will make regular visits to your school to ensure program quality. This means a substitute can be provided if the regular coach is sick or unavailable. Together, this team will help schools:
Create and improve routines to transition smoothly to and from recess
Identify and activate useable indoor and outdoor recess spaces
Teach students organized games and encourage them to take the lead in running them
Encourage all students to be active no matter their age or ability
Promote conflict resolution skills through play
PROGRAM STRUCTURE & DETAILS:
REP begins in mid-September and follows the school calendar through mid-June (approximately 35 weeks). The REP coach will be at partner schools Monday through Thursday for the entire lunch and recess block. Fridays are flex days. REP coaches will be at a given partner school for about half of all Fridays throughout the year. The other half will be used to provide essential training and support to our coaches. Our team will work with partner schools to make a plan for the days the coach is not there.
Great Outdoors Recess Program will supply partner schools with the equipment necessary to play all 150+ of our games!
The structure allows the school to ensure that children are safe. Students are definitely more responsive to rules, and we are excited about the activities.
Questions? Please contact our Recess Enhancement Program team at
Questions? @greatoutdoorsrecesstact info@ greatoutdoors-recess.com
The structure allows the school to ensure that children are safe. Students are definitely more responsive to rules, and we are excited about the activities.
Questions? Please contact our REP team at
Our Mission
Our mission is to transform daytime recess into an active, engaging, and enriching experience for students through the Great Outdoors Recess Program. We are committed to promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and social-emotional development by utilizing outdoor spaces and encouraging structured play. Our goal is to foster an appreciation for recess, improve focus, and reduce stress, helping students’ recharge and prepare for the remainder of the school day.
At the heart of our program are structured activities such as organized sports, and obstacle courses, as well as free play zones that inspire creativity and exploration. We provide students with opportunities to develop leadership skills through cooperative games, while also offering mindfulness exercises to cultivate mental clarity and relaxation. Our team-building exercises and “Community Circle” games foster strong social connections and a sense of belonging among students.
Through specialized staff training, we ensure safe, positive, and inclusive play environments, while also reinforcing the benefits of indoor and outdoor play for mental and physical health. By integrating Great Outdoors Recess into the school day, we support broader school wellness initiatives and offer adaptable programming for various age groups and school settings.
We aim to create a school culture where recess is not just a break from learning, but an essential part of a child’s overall development, promoting a lifelong love for the teamwork, and personal well-being.
Our Values
Integrity, inclusivity, and a commitment to excellence are the core values that guide our every decision. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels welcomed, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential.