Camp Whitsett

Located in the southern Sierra, this site features a large challenge course with low and high elements, modest rock climbing in camp, and a man-made lake with canoes and kayaks.

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Camp Whitsett
Camp Whitsett is in the Giant Sequoia National Monument, twenty-seven miles north of Kernville.

Naturalists At Large is in partnership with Sequoia National Forest / Giant Sequoia National Monument under a non-discriminatory basis. At 5000 feet above sea level, Whitsett is in the Ponderosa Pine forest merging into a mixed white fir–yellow pine forest. The lower elevation and southern location give Whitsett a longer camping season than others at higher altitudes or latitudes. There are no “urban” distractions during Naturalists at Large programs at Whitsett. This is a Outdoor Learning Center for large groups, though smaller groups (less than 136) have a cabin option. All groups have access to hot showers.

> Location

Sierra Nevada Mountains

> Activities

Water-Based
Rock Climbing
Env. Science
Challenge Courses
Hiking
Backpacking
Team Building

> Lodging

Tent-Based
Lodge-Based

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Activities

A five-acre lake, available seasonally, offers opportunities for kayaking, swimming, or canoeing.

This program allows students to explore the Southern Sierra west of the Kern River in Sequoia National Forest. The focus can include giant sequoia ecology, seasonal forest ecology, Sierran geology, or other themes arranged with the school’s faculty. The site features a high and low challenge course and on-site rock climbing. Numerous opportunities for novice backpackers are located nearby. Giant Sequoia Groves are a short drive away.

Educational Overview

Students will explore the unique natural and human history of the area, develop teamwork, enhance leadership abilities, and deepen their sense of responsibility to the environment. Naturalists at Large programs emphasize students’ connection to the natural world through hiking and group activities, highlighting topics such as Southern Sierra’s natural history, plant and animal interactions, and seasonal biological processes. Discussions and journaling will be encouraged as part of the learning experience. An optional overnight backpack trip can be added.

All programs include elements of group cooperation and individual physical challenges suited to the group. For students, these challenges include destination hikes (e.g., Sentinel Peak, Kern River drainage, Elephant Knob) and cooperative or individual activities like the challenge course or rock climbing. Hands-on activities throughout the day will foster environmental knowledge and teamwork.

Students are organized into groups and work together to explore the area’s natural history. They are encouraged to solve intellectual and physical challenges posed by the instructors, such as problem-solving activities. Themes may include the conifer forest, adaptations to snowy winters, Sierra geology, stargazing, and examining environmental factors that influence plant size and diversity. Safe wilderness travel is emphasized.

Naturalists at Large Provides:

One naturalist-guide for every twelve students to conduct outdoor education programs.
Program activities developed in collaboration with the school’s faculty.
All meals during the program.
A meeting room for the duration of the program.
Evening programs covering topics like Sierra natural history, adventure travel, or forest history.
An annotated equipment list.
Optional activities: challenge course, rock climbing, backpacking, trips to Sequoia groves, and spring white-water rafting.