This dissertation examines the impact of outdoor learning, including constructivist theories on student development in natural resource curricula. It highlights the importance of experiential, hands-on learning that connects students with nature. This approach challenges traditional methods by exploring active participation and sensory-rich experiences to enhance comprehension, critical thinking, and knowledge retention capabilities. The research explores the practical benefits of integrating nature-centric pedagogical approaches into a natural resource-based curriculum. Empirical evidence shows that outdoor environments, like forests, can alleviate stress, boost creativity, and foster a deeper connection with nature. These settings enhance student motivation, engagement, and material retention while aiding personal development in decision-making, teamwork, and leadership. This study focuses on the Idaho Natural Resources Camp (NRC), an immersive program educating youth about natural resource management through hands-on experiences. Using pre- and post-assessments over seven years, the study evaluates the camp's effectiveness in enhancing participants' knowledge and retention. The findings show significant improvements in understanding and skills, indicating that extended, immersive outdoor programs positively impact environmental knowledge and behavior. Early exposure to nature is crucial in shaping environmental perspectives and behaviors. Nature-based outdoor education programs are vital for nurturing environmentally literate individuals. This research highlights outdoor education's transformative potential to foster holistic development and environmental appreciation. Extended experiential programs like the NRC are essential for cultivating environmentally conscious citizens and future leaders in natural resource management. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]