This document provides information about the Naturalists at Large program, which offers outdoor education programs for California schools. It details that the program works with over 200 schools to introduce students to diverse natural environments through tailored trips. Naturalists at Large provides a complete outdoor curriculum for primary through high school students, with instructors who have university degrees and outdoor experience. The program at Camp Whitsett offers activities like hiking, rock climbing, and a ropes course in a forest setting suitable for groups of 15 to over 200 students.

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: Kernville, response time 1 hour
Medivac Helicopter: Varies (about 30 minutes)
Law Enforcement: Sheriff of Kern County

17. 6 hours from
Los Angeles
and the Bay
Area,
an hour
north of
Lake
Isabella.

18. Camp Whitsett, at 5,500 feet in
elevation, has a wide range of
activity areas for your outdoor
education trip.
Streams and lakes dot a yellow pine
forest with miles of hiking trails, a
ropes course, rock climbing,
canoeing and plenty of room to tent
camp or use the cabin option.

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.

28. 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
Stream Studies

34. 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.

35. 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.

36. 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.

37. The high-ropes course at
Camp Whitsett

38. 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.

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

42. Creativity
Relaxation & Stretching
Fun Games

43. And with a
short shuttle
drive…

45. 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.

47. Star studies and
the night sky

49. A Sample of a Day
7:30 Breakfast
9:00 Groups A and B do ropes course, group
initiatives. Groups C and D hike and do stream
study
12:00 Lunch by groups
1:00 Groups A and B do journal activities,
ecology hike. Groups C and D rock 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

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

53. Ask us about…
Allergies, Medications,
Special Dietary Needs

54. 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.

55. 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.

56. 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.

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