Naturalists at Large is an outdoor education company that has been operating for over 25 years. They work with over 300 schools to provide outdoor experiences for thousands of students each year at locations across California and the western US. They tailor multi-day programs to meet each school's specific outdoor education goals, with a focus on topics like water sports, outdoor skills, environmental studies, and group building. Programs are led by certified naturalist instructors and include activities like hiking, ropes courses, camping, and science lessons.

1. FOR OVER 25 YEARS!!

2. WE WORK WITH
Charter Schools
Montessori Schools
Public Schools
Waldorf Schools
Independent Schools
Over 300 schools
We introduce thousands of students a year to
diverse environments including...

3. CA COAST
JOSHUA TREE
COLORADO RIVER
YOSEMITE
GIANT SEQUOIAS

4. 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…

5. WATER SPORTS
OUTDOOR SKILLS
ENVIRONMENTAL
STUDIES
GROUP BUILDING
RETREATS

6. GROUP SIZE 12-14

7. 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.

8. 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.

10. 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

11. Dominican Hospital – Santa Cruz – 50 min
Palo Alto Medical Foundation – Santa Cruz – 50 min
Ambulance Response Time: 30 – 40 minutes
EMERGENCY RESPONSE

12. SKYLARK RANCH

13. The school would like the students to have a
"true outdoor experience", therefore student
involvement in all activities and duties is
important. The school would like a focus on
science, outdoor skills, environmental
awareness, leave no trace ethics, and group
building activities.
GOALS

14. SKYLARK ON A MAP

15. SITE INFO
Skylark Ranch 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.

16. 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

18. Lessons learned include
trust in fellow students,
increased ability to focus,
and development of self-
esteem. The few climbing
skills acquired by the
students focus on a safe
and successful
experience. The
organization of ground
school preparation and
ropes sites are designed
with this philosophy in
mind.

19. The high-ropes course at Skylark consists of a
Burma Bridge, a Catwalk, a Multi-Vine Traverse,
a Trapeze Leap, a Giant's Ladder, and Islands in
the Sky.

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

22. This is accomplished by
introducing them to the natural
and cultural history of the
surrounding area while they
explore the trails and study the
various habitats.
Students will discover the unique
natural and human history of the
area, develop group cooperation
through shared experiences,
enhance leadership abilities, and
learn basic outdoor skills.
Naturalists at Large programs are
designed to give the students a
"sense of place".

23. Plant Identification
Interview
a Tree

24. Students are constantly
encouraged to solve
problems posed by the
Naturalists at Large
instructors. These often
include both intellectual
challenges and physical
challenges (i.e. initiative
activities). Each trail group
is with a Naturalists at Large
naturalist-instructor, and a
faculty or parent chaperon
each day for the entire
program.

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

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

27. Campfire

28. Night
Walk

29. Star studies and
the night sky

30. 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

31. TENTS

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

34. 12:20
Kitchen orientation/ Announcements
12:30
Buffet lunch
1:00
Move into platform tents
1:15
Meet in trail groups for afternoon activities. Activities will include a trust progression,
beginner group initiatives, and a short hike.
1:15 – 2:45
Ground School
Groups 1 - 3
3:30 – 5:00
Ground School
Groups 4 - 5
5:00
THE SCHEDULE

35. 9:00 - 11:00
High Ropes
Group 1
12:00 - 2:00
High Ropes
Group 2
2:00 - 4:00
High Ropes
Group 3
5:00
Free time supervised by faculty
5:45
Dinner prep/clean up with ___________
6:00

36. redwood ecology lessons, group building initiatives, and fun activities with other groups.
Lunch will be on trail.
9:00 - 11:00
High Ropes
Group 4
12:00 - 2:00
High Ropes
Group 5
4:30
All group activity
5:00
Free time supervised by faculty
5:45
Dinner prep/clean up with ___________
6:00
Dinner

37. THURSDAY 10/8 - DAY FOUR
7:15 Breakfast prep/clean-up with ____________
7:30 Breakfast
8:15 Move out – Load luggage onto the cube/ sweep out tents, clean showers/
grounds
Make and take lunch
9:30 Meet in trail groups for morning activities
11:00 Final full group activity
Debrief in trail groups
11:30 Lunch
12:00 Load luggage onto cube
12:20 Hike down to bus
12:45 Load bus / departure

38. 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

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

40. 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.

41. 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).

42. Plastic bag protection. A half dozen, 1 or 2 gallon
storage zip locks 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.

43. For more information
check us out at …