Naturalists at Large provides outdoor education programs on Catalina Island and throughout California. They offer a variety of activities focused on marine science, island ecology, and group building. A typical day involves morning activities like hiking and snorkeling followed by lunch and afternoon activities before evening programs around the campfire. Students stay in tent cabins and learn about the unique ecosystems and history of Catalina Island through hands-on activities.

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: Baywatch: 12-15 minutes Medivac Helicopter: Varies with vendor...30 minutes on average Law Enforcement: 20 minutes from Avalon

14. Whites Landing on Catalina Island

15. at WHITE'S LANDING catalina Catalina Island White's Landing Avalon

16. Located twenty six miles from our coast, Catalina is the largest of the southern Channel Islands and is protected by the Catalina Island Conservancy

17. WELCOME TO WHITES LANDING

18. Largest Sandy Beach on the island

19. After a two hour boat ride across the channel…

20. and off-loading everyone’s gear…

21. We start with some games

22. And then it’s time to move in

24. TENT CABIN FOR 8

25. INDOOR PLUMBING with HOT SHOWERS

26. Where do you eat ?

27. NEW DINING FACILITIES

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

30. Group Challenges

31. 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.

32. TRY THE LOW ROPES COURSE

33. 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.

34. And what’s this?

35. Get ready to snorkel !

36. Your turn !

37. Instructors are in and on the water

39. We may see a sea cucumber

40. Clown nudibranchians and anemones

41. Or a surprisingly shy morey eel

42. And for the more adventurous … NIGHT SNORKLE !

43. Some of our other activities include ocean kayaking

44. Both individual and group instruction

46. Marine Science and Island Ecology are at the heart of our Catalina Experience

47. Tide Pooling

49. Miles of Hiking Trails

50. Enjoy the views

51. Or hike over to another cove for Fun and Games

53. Our goal is to provide a comfortable outdoor experience

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

56. Creativity Relaxation & Stretching Fun Games

58. AND WHEN THE SUN SETS WE ARE NOT DONE

59. Study the Night Sky

60. Night Hike

61. AMPHITHEATRE for CAMPFIRE

62. Sunrise starts a new day

63. Santa Catalina Island is part of the Channel Islands, which are rich in marine and terrestrial life with unique adaptations to their diverse ecosystems. Through the use of such activities as snorkeling, kayaking, tide pooling, touch tank lessons and hiking, you will be able to learn about this island environment. Catalina is also rich in human and geologic history that can also be incorporated throughout your visit.

64. A Typical Day 7:30 Breakfast 9:00 Groups A and B do journal activities, island ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D snorkel / marine biology 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, island ecology hike, group initiatives . Groups A and B snorkel / marine biology 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 10:00 Lights Out

65. Whites Landing on CATALINA ISLAND

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

67. 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.

68. 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). Watershoes or outdoor sandals with heel strap. A good water bottle (quart or liter). The proper sleeping bag (check your equipment list for specifics). Swimwear & Towel

69. 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.

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