Naturalists at Large programs are designed to instill a "sense of place." This is accomplished by introducing students to natural and cultural history, while they explore trails, habitats and history of an area. With the aid of our knowledgeable Field Coordinators, you select the academic emphasis for the program and help sculpt the itinerary. Are you extremely busy already? With a single phone call or an emailed questionnaire, we can create an itinerary for your review.
Naturalists at Large also takes responsibility for evening activities, such as astronomy studies and myths, night hikes, sensory awareness activities, and group campfires. Your school assigns one adult chaperon to assist our instructors in each trail group. Our instructors work with your students and chaperons to fulfill the goals of your program.
During the day students are divided into smaller trail groups. One of our Naturalists and one adult chaperon from your school supervise each trail group. Groups may come together for activities during the day, but for the most part the trail group serves as a mobile classroom.
Camping has never been so easy!
Camping on a Naturalists at Large Outdoor Learning Center program is a great way to introduce your students to the natural world. Upon arrival students will set up the tents that we provide in separate boys' and girls' villages. Central to the sleeping areas, the Naturalists at Large kitchen delivers wholesome meals and healthy snacks. All students are assigned KP duty for at least one meal during the program and are responsible for washing their own dishes.
Our Outdoor Learning Centers provide students with a great sense of group and individual accomplishment while teaching them the skills needed for staying comfortable in the outdoors. Our camping experiences also inherently build self-reliance, personal responsibility, and group cohesion.
Naturalists at Large provides the Naturalists (our staff), campsites, group kitchen gear, food, tents, and instructional supplies. Just follow your equipment list and we’ll do the rest!
Do you and your students want the beauty of the outdoors with all the comforts of home? Featuring cafeteria-style meals, comfortable beds and hot showers, our numerous Lodge-based program sites will suit your needs. Naturalists at Large will arrange the accommodations and assist you in assigning your students to cabins.
Many of our program sites have service projects that can be added to your program based on the time of year and availability. Don't miss this opportunity to protect our lands and show your students that they can really make a difference!
The concept of environmental stewardship is part of any of our outdoor experiences. Our naturalists will teach Leave-no-Trace ethics and show your students that it doesn't take much to lessen our impact on the environment.
Check out our service learning page for established service learning projects. Can't find a project that meets your trip goals? Let us know and we'll work with you in order to find the right type of project for your group. Naturalists at Large is committed in creating a custom program to fulfill your goals!
Naturalists at Large will also arrange any number of day-long experiences to suit your needs. You can choose to mix and match them to explore areas closer to home and keep your students secure in their own bed at night.
Naturalists at Large is a leading outdoor and environmental education group in California. Since 1985, we have provided outdoor education programs for tens of thousands of students from over two hundred schools, offering custom client designed trips, flexible dates and locations, commitment to safety and comfort in the outdoors, the wonder of nature and the importance of outdoor and experiential education.
