Naturalists at Large is an organization that provides outdoor education programs for over 200 California schools, taking thousands of students on trips to diverse natural environments across the state. They work closely with schools to design tailored outdoor education programs led by experienced instructors to meet each school's specific goals, providing activities like hiking, camping, science lessons, team-building exercises, and more. The document provides details on the types of activities and destinations offered, safety protocols, typical schedules, equipment needs, and their overall mission to give students a positive outdoor learning experience.

2. Who do we
serve ?
Our education programs for
over two hundred of
California's public and
independent schools have
introduced thousands of
students to environments
as diverse as the…

3. Pygmy Forest of Sonoma
Catalina
Island
Giant Forest of Sequoia
Sonoran Desert
Colorado River

4. What does
Naturalists at Large
do ?

6. 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.

7. Trail Group sizes of 9 to 14 students
Always with one
instructor and
one adult from
your school

8. 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.

10. 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.

12. 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.

13. All of our instructors are CPR and First Aid
Certified. 80 % of them hold advanced
certifications such as Wilderness Emergency
Medical Training, Wilderness First Responders
and Wilderness Advanced First Aid.
RESPONSE TIMES: for Emergency Services
Ambulance: 20 minutes from Santa Barbara.
Medivac Helicopter: 10 minutes from Goleta
Law Enforcement: 20 minutes from Goleta

15. El Capitan Canyon
Goleta
Santa Barbara County
California

16. 15 miles west of Santa Barbara

17. Welcome to
El Capitan
Canyon

21. Two bunks and a
loft sleeps 6

23. 4 person tent with 2-3 students per tent

24. Everybody
get’s to
help with
camp
chores

25. Meals are
wholesome
affairs providing
the nutrition
needed for active
There’s a variety of menu participants
options from which to choose

26. Allergies and Special Food Needs
• Program meals offer vegetarian food options.
• For those with specific needs due to allergies
or personal reasons, we suggest discussion
with your faculty.
• Naturalists at Large can help guide those with
special diets to supplement their meals in
ways which everyone can most easily manage.

27. Miles of hiking trails

29. Grassy places to play

31. 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.

32. 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.

34. Quiet places to relax

36. We facilitate a variety of beach
activities

37. Creative projects

39. Tide pooling

40. Hands-On science projects

41. Creek
studies
Plant
identification

43. Self reflection & nature observation

46. Educational themes include the sage
scrub community, southern coast
forests, stream science, ecology of
the oak and sycamore forests and
humans -- a historical perspective,
local geology, the stars, and
environmental influences on plant
species and diversity. Emphasis will
be tailored to complement the
academic goals of the school.

48. Kayaking along this beautiful
section of coast is an option

49. Try an afternoon on the ropes course

51. The
higher
you go,
the
better
the
views

52. And a few other optional activities…
Animal Tracking
Map & Compass
Orienteering
Journal & Reflective
Activity

53. Creativity
Relaxation & Stretching
Fun Games

54. And
after
the
sun
sets…

55. NIGHT
WALK

56. Star studies and
the night sky

57. ENJOY A
CAMPFIRE

58. A Typical Day
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Groups A and B do journal activities,
beach hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D
hike Canyon and do stream study
12:00 Lunch by groups
1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities,
beach hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B
hike Canyon and do stream study
4:30 Return to camp for large group games
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Evening Program:
Night walk and star study
9:00 Students released to faculty

59. We offer your
students a
positive outdoor
education
experience

60. That will follow them into
their future

62. Ask about…
Allergies, Medications,
and Special Dietary
Needs

63. Equipment Reminders
Follow your equipment list.
Pack together. Adult and student can double
check the contents of the gear bag.
All clothing should fit in a medium size duffle.
A day pack is essential to move about the program
with water, some food, extra layers of clothing,
and personal incidentals.
Utensil Kit that may be reused for each meal and
a cup that can handle hot & cold liquids.

64. Rain gear is a must. (water-proof shell) Rain
Ponchos are fine.
Comfortable closed toed shoes are required.
Light weight hikers or tennis shoes with a few
pairs of good outdoor socks (non-cotton).
A good water bottle (quart or liter).
The proper sleeping bag (check your equipment
list for specifics).

65. Plastic bag protection. A half dozen, 1 or 2
gallon storage ziplocks are good for protecting
clothing in a gear bag from moisture. Along with
a couple hefty 15 to 30 gallon bags to line your
gear bag and sleeping bag (& daypack).
Don’t send gear that you could not afford lost
or broken (expensive cameras, cell phones, and
other electronics). A handy disposable camera
would be just fine.
Follow your equipment list, ask questions,
borrow from friends.

66. For more information
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