In the spirit of the poet-naturalist for whom the school was named, varied opportunities for outdoor experiences are offered the John Burroughs student. Faced with the manifold challenges posed by the outdoors, the student develops confidence in abilities familiar and acquired. In the collective life of a camping group, students experience a rare degree of self-sufficiency and cooperation. Their respect for nature extends to one another.

Boys and girls in grades 8 through 12 may receive physical education credit for their participation in outdoor education. Weekend outings may take them trout fishing, rock climbing in southern Illinois, canoeing, kayaking or caving in the Ozarks, off-road biking over-looking the Meramec and Mississippi rivers. Service trips which involve trail cutting, habitat formation and forest restoration are also popular.