Naturalists at Large provides outdoor education programs for K-12 schools throughout California, serving over 200 schools annually. They offer a variety of multi-day trips focused on environmental science, team building, and cultural history to locations across the state. Typical programs involve hiking, rock climbing, camping, and evening activities like stargazing around a campfire. Their instructors are trained professionals with experience leading youth outdoors.

1. for over Twenty Years

2. 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… Independent Schools Charter Schools Public Schools Waldorf Schools Montessori Schools Who do we serve ?

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

4. What does Naturalists at Large do ?

5. TEAM BUILDING ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE OUTDOOR SKILLS Native & Pioneer History Group Retreats

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.

9. Our Instructors

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 15 minutes for ambulance

14. JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK

15. So…You’re going where?

16. OVER HERE !

17. Indian Cove Campground

19. WOW !

20. For a first-time visitor the desert may appear bleak and drab. Viewed from the road, the desert only hints at its vitality. Closer examination reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals. A rich cultural history and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place.

21. Two deserts come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000 feet, the Colorado Desert encompasses the eastern part of the park.

22. The higher, moister, and slightly cooler Mojave Desert is the special habitat of the Joshua tree.

23. So, off-load your gear…

24. And…

27. MAKE YOUR SELF AT HOME

28. And let’s get you fed

29. Meals are wholesome affairs providing the nutrition needed for active participants

31. What Next ?

32. Get ready for…

33. GROUND SCHOOL

35. This is the chance to learn a few knots and practice the skills needed to keep one another safe and “on belay”.

36. GOT SKILLS ?

37. Adventure; freedom; reach the top; enjoy nature; exercise; excitement. WHY ROCK CLIMBING ?

38. Are You Ready ?

39. LET’S CLIMB !

41. Team building through rock climbing is a great way to create group cohesion, build trust, learn about problem solving, and improve self-esteem. Rock climbing is a team sport. Trust and reliance on ones’ partner promotes communication, leadership, and strategic planning. Not to mention it is fun!

43. A VARIETY OF ROUTES LETS YOU CHOOSE THE DIFFICULTY

44. Climbing is a dance that engages body and mind. Learn how to balance, how to focus--one tiny hold at a time.

46. Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular rock climbing areas in the world. More than 4,500 established routes offering a wide range of difficulty are concentrated within about 100,000 acres of park land.

48. After a short break in the shade…

49. Hike and Explore

50. But, Please don’t pick the flowers!

52. OBSERVE DESERT CRITTERS

55. AND IF THAT'S NOT ENOUGH

56. There’s a few other optional activities… Journal & Reflective Activity Map & Compass Orienteering Animal Tracking

57. Creativity Relaxation & Stretching Fun Games

58. Joshua Tree is a great place to introduce your students to a multi-day backpacking experience.

59. And after the sunset…

60. NIGHT WALK

61. Star studies and the night sky

62. Or sit beside a… CAMPFIRE

63. A Typical Day 7:30 Breakfast 9:00 Groups A and B do journal activities, desert ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D climb 12:00 Lunch by groups 1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, desert ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B climb 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

64. Desert Ecology Rock Climbing Human & Cultural History Desert Travel Team Building Fun and Games

65. And when it’s time to go…

66. You won’t forget…

67. Joshua Tree National Park DISCOVER IT !

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

70. 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.

71. 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). Ground pad. Ensolite pads are much cheaper than thermarest types and work just as well.

72. 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.

73. www.natsatlarge.com For more information check us out at …