Naturalists at Large provides outdoor education programs for K-12 schools throughout California, taking students on trips to diverse natural environments. They work closely with schools to design trips tailored to each school's educational goals, accommodating groups of 15-200 students. Experienced instructors lead activities focused on environmental science, outdoor skills, and safety, covering topics like wildlife, plants, geology, and cultural history through hands-on learning. Typical multi-day trips involve hiking, outdoor cooking, evening programs, and overnight camping.

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 Ambulance: 5-10 minutes (ambulance located at Lodgepole) Medivac Helicopter: 20 minutes; Law Enforcement: 5-10 minutes

14. at Lodgepole Sequoia

15. Lodgepole is located in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park

16. Right over here…

18. 4 ½-5 hour drive from Los Angeles or San Francisco

22. Where's our 5 star hotel room ?

23. UH...Right Here!

24. We found it !

25. MEAL TIME

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

28. WHAT NOW ?

29. Group Challenges

30. 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.

31. 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.

32. Environmental Education

33. Educational Themes can include: A Sense of Place. Geology of the Sierra Nevada Mountains Birds of the Sierra Tree identification Plants and Animals Black Bears The conifer forest High Sierra weather Plant and animal adaptations

34. Wildlife Observation

36. Plant Identification

38. These... come from these...

39. And give us these !

40. “ Can’t believe we all fit in here… What next”? Snack Time !

41. Self Discovery Learning

42. Native Cultural History

43. Hike into the backcountry to...

44. The Watchtower

45. Visit the General Sherman Tree

46. Tokopah Falls

47. Hike Giant Forest

48. Visit the museum

49. Walk along beautiful meadows

50. And make your way up Moro Rock

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

52. Creativity Relaxation & Stretching Fun Games

53. Backpack or Over-Night / Camp- Out Options

54. And after the sun goes down...

55. Evening Programs Naturalists at Large will use the evening as an alternative activity/learning time for students. Each evening will have a different focus. Astronomy: constellations, motion of stars and planets, stellar evolution, stories and myths. Evening hikes to foster confidence with no artificial light. We also cover nocturnal adaptations of animals. Traditional campfire: songs, stories and skits performed by the students and Naturalists at Large staff.

56. Night Hike

57. Star studies and the night sky

58. Campfire

59. A great adventure for the group… And the individual.

60. A Typical Day 7:30 Breakfast 9:00 Groups A and B do journal activities, Tokopah Falls hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D Shuttle to Giant Forest Visitor Center 12:00 Lunch by groups 1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, Tokopah Falls hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B Shuttle to Giant Forest Visitor Center 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

61. Lodgepole Sequoia - Kings Canyon

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

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

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