This document provides information about an outdoor education program called Naturalists at Large. It has been operating for over 25 years, leading programs in various natural areas across California like Joshua Tree, Yosemite, and the Colorado River. The program focuses on tailoring outdoor experiences to meet schools' educational goals, with topics including water sports, outdoor skills, environmental studies, and group building. It uses certified instructors to lead 12-14 student groups in activities like hiking, science lessons, and ropes courses. Sample itineraries are provided for multi-day programs, which involve camping, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Food, equipment, and special needs are also addressed.

1. FOR OVER 25 YEARS!!

2. CA COAST
JOSHUA TREE
COLORADO RIVER
YOSEMITE
GIANT SEQUOIAS

3. OUR FOCUS
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.
Topics that we can focus on include…

4. WATER SPORTS
OUTDOOR SKILLS
ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES
GROUP BUILDING
RETREATS

5. GROUP SIZE 12-14

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

8. All of our instructors are CPR and
Wilderness First Aid Certified. Many of
them hold advanced certifications such
as Wilderness Emergency Medical
Technician, Wilderness First
Responders and Wilderness
Advanced First Aid.
INSTRUCTOR CERTS

9. MOUNT CROSS

10. MOUNT CROSS ON A MAP

11. ELKHORN SLOUGH

12. SITE INFO
Mount Cross is a great location for team
building, science exploration, and hiking the
surrounding trails. Our facility presents a
unique opportunity for the development of class
unity through challenging activity.

13. The Naturalists at Large ropes
program is designed to
introduce all students to this
exciting activity. Students learn
to work together and cooperate
towards a common goal.
Ropes instruction is
complemented by challenge
and initiative games that will
foster greater group interaction.
CHALLENGE COURSE

15. KAYAKING
Elkhorn Slough is an
amazing place to view Sea
Otters, Harbor Seals and
California Sea Lions

16. • Study of human impact on old-growth
and second-growth redwoods.
• Introduction to environmental science
concepts
• Natural history and ecology
NATURAL HISTORY

18. And after the sunset,
there’s still things to do…

19. Campfire

20. Night
Walk

21. Star studies and
the night sky

22. Students will be organized into groups of
twelve to fourteen. Naturalists at Large
instructors will work with their groups of
students to teach basic camp skills, lead
hikes, facilitate group building activities, and
teach science lessons.
YOUR GROUP

23. CABINS

25. Meals are
wholesome affairs
providing the
nutrition needed for
active participants
There are plenty of
options to choose
from at each meal
FOOD

26. Lunch at Elkhorn Slough
12:00- 3:00
Kayak
All Groups
3:00
Snack break
3:15
Load bus
3:45
Arrive at Mt Cross
Unload luggage onto luggage tarp
Split into trail groups – get to know your groups/ introduction activities
4:45
Move into cabins
5:00
Faculty supervised free time
Pool time
6:00
Dinner
7:30
SAMPLE SCHEDULE

27. Breakfast line up
7:30
Breakfast
Make and take lunch
8:30
Meet in trail groups ready for the day. Today will be used to set the tone for the high ropes.
Activities may include low ropes and propped initiatives.
4:30
Meet for all school activity
5:00
Faculty supervised free time
6:00
Dinner
7:30
Evening program: Sensory awareness
9:00
Students released to faculty
9:30
In cabins
10:00
Lights out and quiet

28. Make and take lunch
8:30
Meet in trail groups ready for the day.
8:30 - 11:00
Ropes Course Group 1, 2
11:30 - 2:00
Ropes Course Group 3, 4
2:00 - 4:30
Ropes Course Group 5
4:30
Meet for all school activity
5:00
Faculty supervised free time
Pool time
6:00
Dinner
7:30

29. THURSDAY 5/12-DAY FOUR:
7:20 Breakfast line up
7:30 Breakfast
Make and take lunch
8:00 Pack gear, clean tents, bring luggage to the tarps
9:00 Load bus for Beach
Tide pooling
12:00 Lunch
Large beach games/ beach Olympics
Ffeash
Depart for school

30. Vegetation options will be available at every
meal
For other food needs, please see our
“procedures for students with serious food
allergies and dietary needs” form available
from your faculty
Feel free to contact the NAL office to discuss
food needs
ALLERGIES & RESTRICTIONS

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

32. 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.

33. 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).

34. 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.

35. For more information
check us out at …