Outdoor Education

Pope Saint John Paul II Outdoor Lab

This program was founded in 2008 in Colorado at Annuciation Heights, and is finding its way to the east coast at the O'Dwyer Retreat House. The John Paul II Outdoor Lab was inspired by Pope Saint John Paul II’s encyclical Fides et Ratio. 

Encountering Christ in Creation

JPII Outdoor Lab provides outdoor experiential education within the context of the Catholic faith. Through an authentic encounter with Christ in his Creation and sacraments, students are inspired to deepen their relationship with God, thus shaping their relationship with themselves, others and Creation. Students will further learn to apply faith and reason while exploring the wonder and beauty of the outdoors.

We are a Catholic outdoor education program for elementary, middle and high school students, offered September through May. Students participate in inquiry based lessons, exploratory hikes, small-group discussions, campfire activities, stargazing, Mass, Adoration, and Reconciliation. 


Please fill out the interest form below if your organization would be interested in this program.