Naturalists at Large Outdoor Education Big Sur

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 or Wilderness Advanced First Aid. RESPONSE TIMES: for Emergency Services HOSPITALS: Community Hospital of the Monterey Penninsula Big Sur Health Center MEDIVAC HELICOPTER Response times vary 30 minutes to 2 hours. RESPONSE TIMES: Ambulance: Located in Big Sur 5 minutes Law Enforcement: State Park Rangers response time 5 minutes.

14. discovering BIG SUR

17. Fernwood Campground – Big Sur lies 150 miles south of San Francisco along Highway 1. The Big Sur coastline is recognized for its rugged mountains and cliffs which overlook coastal rock formations, waterfalls, clear streams, coast redwood groves, and great biological diversity.

18. So let's go!

19. What hides in the Mist?

22. The park stretches from the Big Sur coastline into nearby 3,000-foot ridges. It features redwood, tan oak, madrone, chaparral, and an 80-foot waterfall that drops from granite cliffs into the ocean from the Overlook Trail. A panoramic view of the ocean and miles of rugged coastline is available from the higher elevations along the trails east of Highway 1.

23. AMAZING

27. Tent Time

29. 4 person tent with 2-3 students per tent

30. Food Time

31. Everybody get’s to help with camp chores

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

34. Explore!

35. Group Challenges

36. Hike Andrew Molera State Park

37. Educational Themes can include: The Big Sur; A Sense of Place Geology of the Coastal Mountains Birds of the Big Sur Tree identification Plants and Animals The Coastal Redwood Forest Weather and Fog Plant and Animal Adaptations Pioneer History

38. Wildlife Observation

39. Flowers and Forests

40. We wish to explore the importance of national and state parks to our culture and the individual through group discussions and journal exercises. This shared group experience will foster school spirit and increase group unity.

41. Journal & Reflective Activities

42. The program of hiking and group activities will emphasize each student's responsibility to the environment and emphasizing the unique natural history of the region.

43. In every walk with nature we receive far more than we seek

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

45. Creativity Relaxation & Stretching Fun Games

46. And after the sun goes down...

47. 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.

48. Night Hike

49. Star Study Night Sky

50. Campfire

51. SAMPLE SCHEDULE 7:30 Breakfast prep/clean up 7:45 Breakfast 8:15 Prepare for walks & pick up trail lunches. Shuttle to Andrew Molera State park. Groups on trail will spend the day hiking, learning natural history, and doing team building activities 5:00 Free Time (supervised by faculty) 5:30 Dinner prep/clean up 6:00 Dinner 7:30 Evening program : Astronomy 9:00 Students released to faculty 9:30 In tents 10:00 Lights out and quiet

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

53. Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star. …Muir

55. Discover Big Sur

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

58. 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.

59. 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.

60. Plastic bag protection . A half dozen, 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.

61. www. naturalistsatlarge .com For more information check us out at …