A project at a local middle school will focus on creating school attachments and community bonds through volunteering to create an outdoor classroom, trail, and set of learning centers. Students will utilize critical thinking, inquiry, reading comprehension, writing, and math skills to research and design a nature trail and outdoor classroom. The area includes forest land and grassy areas with a creek that runs through the middle. Students will then work with school officials and community volunteers to build the outdoor classroom. Activities in Which Students Will Engage High levels of academic achievement will be targeted by engaging students in activities which will promote reading comprehension skills, fundamental math skills, critical thinking and inquiry skills, and enhanced self-concept through research and inquiry. Students will participate in a series of 8 counseling/research lessons which will be held once a week for eight weeks during either their math or language arts class. Building days for the outdoor classroom will then be scheduled for the spring. The group lessons are designed as follows: 1- Self-Concept and Community Service – Reading & Writing – Everyone can Contribute! 2- Self-Concept and Community Service – Reading & Writing – Your Environment 3 – Critical Thinking and Research Skills – How to Create an Outdoor Classroom. 4 - Critical Thinking and Math Skills- Measuring & Designing the Outdoor Classroom 5 - Reading, Writing, Math, and Critical Thinking Skills: The Outdoor Classroom Portfolio. Proposed items, budgets, measurements, drawings, letters of support, etc. 6 - Reading, Writing, Math, and Critical Thinking Skills: The Outdoor Classroom Portfolio. 7 - Reading, Writing, Math, and Critical Thinking Skills: Portfolio & Administrator meetings. 8 – Final preparations, set construction dates, order materials, meet with community volunteers, schedule ribbon cutting ceremony.