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…

Who do weserve ?

Pygmy Forest of Sonoma

Giant Forest of Sequoia

Sonoran Desert

Colorado River

CatalinaIsland

What does

Naturalists at Large

do ?

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.

Trail Group sizes of 9 to 14 studentsAlways with one NAL instructor and one adult from your school

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.

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.

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.

All of our instructors are CPR and Wilderness 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

1st Response (Park Service EMT): depending on area 5-30 minutes.Ambulance: 45 minutes out of HollisterMedivac Helicopter: 15 minutesLaw Enforcement: Minutes

Where are we going ?

Pinnacles National

Monument

Just a few

hours from the Bay Area

30 miles south of Hollister

Aptly named for the local rock forms

Oddly shaped

spires and crags tower above

chaparral-clad hills

make for a unique outdoor setting

Located along the San Andreas Rift Zone

4 distinct biological communities

Home to the California Condor

Contains miles of maintained hiking trails

Access to a wide range of rock climbing sites

And caves to explore

Near the east entrance to the park you will stay at a

park campground

A National Park Service operated campground with tent sites, R.V. sites and group camping sites. Modern facilities include a convenience store, swimming pool and hot showers.

Pinnacles Campground

and call it home

We use custom made 4-person tents, which are typically used to shelter two students and their gear (each faculty get their own tent).

And food preparation are skills to be learned…

Meals are wholesome

affairs providing the nutrition needed for

active participants

There’s a variety of menu options from which to choose

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.

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.

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.

A key component to most every Pinnacles program will be…

ROCK

CLIMBING

After completing a safety course called “ground school” and…

With a little help from friends…

And our climbing

staff..

You are CLIMBING !!!

Team building through rock climbing is a great way to create group cohesion, build trust, learn about problem solving, and improve self-esteem.  Rock climbing is a team sport.  Trust and reliance on ones’ partner promotes communication, leadership, and strategic planning.  Not to mention it is fun! 

All levels of ability are

accommodated on our climbing program

Climbing is a dance that engages body and mind. Learn how to balance, how to focus--one tiny hold at a time.

And after a half day of climbing it’s time for some lunch and…

Study Chaparral Community, Oak Woodland and Grassland

Adaptations of Plants and Animals

Volcanic Geology Environmental Influences on specific Ecosystems

Condor Habitat and Preservation

Miles of hiking trails can lead you to the high peaks…

the caves at Bear Gulch…

Or to a view of the lake that feeds Chalone Creek.

You may even meet some of the…

Locals !

And a few other optional activities…

Journal & ReflectiveActivity

Map & CompassOrienteering

Animal Tracking

Creativity

Relaxation & Stretching

Fun Games

And when the sun sets, the day is not over…

It might be time for a campfire….

Or…

Star studies and the night sky

Night HikeNight Hike

A Typical Day7:30Breakfast 9:00Groups A and B do journal activities, geology hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D rock climb12:00 Lunch by groups1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, geology hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B rock climb 4:30Return to camp for large group games6:00Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Night walk and star study9:00Students released to faculty

Hike, climb, play, and

learn

atatPinnaclesPinnacles

National MonumentNational Monument

Ask about…

Allergies, Medications, and Special Dietary

Needs

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.

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).

Two good water bottles (quart or liter size).

The proper sleeping bag (check your equipment list for specifics).

A ground pad for underneath you and your sleeping bag.

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.

For more information

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