Abstract
Outdoor school is an integral part of the Czech educational system. However, many changes have occurred during the last twenty years, which pertain to their role and organization.
The chapter presents global school statistics and survey research results for Prague elementary schools as well as case studies of two selected classes. The research shows that outdoor schools are getting shorter, their allocated budget is reducing, and related parent expenses are increasing.
While teachers, pupils and parents agree that the main role of outdoor school is to improve peer-group social climate, almost 25% of pupils cannot attend the outdoor school because of the increasing price. Outdoor school is also supposed to improve understanding between teachers and children.
However, many elementary schools hire commercial agencies to organize outdoor schools, which contradicts this goal.