Naturalists at Large-Outdoor Education Overview

Our education programs for over a hundred of California's public and independent schools have introduced thousands of students to environments as diverse as the…

Who do weserve ?

Pygmy Forest of Sonoma

Giant Forest of Sequoia

Sonoran Desert

Colorado River

CatalinaIsland

California has a variety of great Outdoor Classrooms from which to

choose

WHERE MIGHT YOU

WANT TO

GO ?

Naturalists at Large has five program areas.

1. Environmental Science / Natural History

2. Group Dynamics / Team Building / Leadership Development

3. Outdoor Activity and Skills Instruction

4. Native & Pioneer History

5. Group Retreats

We work with each school every step of the way to identify their outdoor education goals and then tailor a program to meet those specific needs.

Trail Group sizes of 9 to 14 students

Naturalists at Large provides a complete outdoor curriculum for primary through

high school level students. We can

accommodate trips for 15 students to

over 200.

How long might your trip be?

Trips range from 1 to 6

days in duration.

Possible Topics and Themes

Exploration of fresh water streams & tidepooling.

Introduction to comparative ecosystems.

Plant identification and their uses.

Local wildlife observation and animal behavior.

Understanding the dynamics of an ecosystem.

Regional geology and watershed studies.

Exploring the relationship between humans and their

environment.

Star studies and the night sky.

Marine biology and earth’s oceans.

Marine biology and earth’s oceans

All topics are connected directly to the natural history of each specific program site and are appropriately adjusted to the ages of the students.

Exploration of fresh water streams & tidepooling

Local wildlife observation and animal behavior

Plant identification and their uses

Explore…

the past

Andthose…

whocamebefore

A focus of most all Naturalists at Large programming is the interaction of the individual with the group. The needs of both must be met through the development of cooperation, leadership and problem solving skills.

The facilitation of activities, with the emphasis on our interaction with the environment and each other, promotes awareness of each individual’s role in making the group experience a positive one.

Retreats are a chance to develop stronger group cohesion and class unity

Fun, Active, &

Challenging

You can experience the outdoors at one of our LODGE SITES or from our TENT SITES (Outdoor Learning Center).

Meals are wholesome

affairs providing the nutrition needed for

active participants

There’s a variety of menu options from which to choose

And a few other optional activities…

Journal & ReflectiveActivity

Map & CompassOrienteering

Animal Tracking

Creativity

Relaxation & Stretching

Fun Games

When the sun goes down there’s…

Campfire

Night

Walk

Star studies and the night sky

Naturalists at Large draws it’s instructors from all over the United States. These are men and women with 4-year university degrees who have proven experience working with youth in the outdoors and in the classroom.

With their high comfort and experience in the outdoors, their passion for teaching, and a commitment to safety first, we have the foundation for a fantastic experience for you and your students.

The following is a sample three-day schedule (for a rock climbing trip) that has been used by several schools. Four-day and five-day trips are more typical and allow for a more in-depth experience. (Remember that all trips are custom designed and schedules will fit your needs)

(Day one)1:00Arrive at Indian Cove Campground Bus greeters, Snack. Orientation to site, All Staff and Faculty meetingBreak into trail groups / small group orientation and introductions. Set up camp / kitchen orientation3:30Ground school – Intro to climbing6:30Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Night awareness and trust activities9:00Students released to faculty

(Day two)7:15Breakfast 9:00Groups A, B and C do journal activities, desert ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups D, E and F climb12:00 Lunch by groups1:00Groups D, E and F do journal activities, desert ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups A,B and C climb4:30Return to camp6:00Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Night walk and star study9:00Students released to faculty

(Day three)7:15Breakfast7:30Break down camp8:30All gear staged and ready to load on bus 9:00Groups D, E and F hike, art activities and games. Groups A, B and C climb 11:30 Lunch by trail groups12:00 Groups A, B and C hike, art activities and games. Groups D, E and F climb2:30Return to camp for debrief3:00Load gear on bus3:30School departs

So get on a bus…