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Outdoor Science Education

Plant Studies:

Animal Studies:  Shhhhhh…., don’t scare the animals!!!!!  Join us on this silent observational hike.  You will learn how to observe animals in nature without disturbing them.  Before we leave campus you will have a quick workshop on what signs of animals we can find, how to track them, and some strategies used for survival in our harsh desert environment.

Geology:  Take a hike while learning about the unique geological features surrounding Big Rock Creek Camp.  Along our journey up the Geology Trail you will see an ancestral fault line of the San Andreas, search for fossils, and explore ancient sandstone formations.  We will take breaks periodically to let everyone catch their breath.  During these breaks we will cover subjects such as plate tectonics, how different rocks are formed, the rock cycle, and the correlation between forest fires and erosion. 

Pond and Insect Study:  Armed with nets, collection jars, and magnifying containers, you will explore the most diverse and often unnoticed group of animals at Big Rock Creek Camp.  Learn about insects found on our campus, how water quality affects the surrounding ecosystem, and how water born life indicates the health of our waterways. 

Wilderness Survival:  What would you do if you were lost in the woods?  Could you survive?  Hike with one of our outdoor educators while learning about what precautionary steps are to be taken before leaving home, how to find food water and shelter, what to do in a backwoods emergency, and how to find civilization if you are lost.

Odyssey Adventure:  This fun and challenging program conveys to you the fundamental concepts behind backcountry navigation.  This program begins with learning how to read a topographical map, recognizing the parts of a compass, and how to put map and compass together to find your way.  After the instructional period, put your new skills to the test by navigating your way through our orienteering challenge course. You will be given coordinates to follow weaving through campus answering questions along the way.

Native American Studies:  Have you ever wondered what life was like for Native Americans before California was settled by the United States.  Join us in exploring some of the life skills, traditions, folklore, and games of local and national native tribes.  In this program you will make pemmican (a nourishing snack used by many Native Tribes), use natural dyes for your own mini cave painting, view and handle an authentic arrowhead collection, throw tomahawks, and  play blanket ball (a variation on a native field game). 

Pioneer Skills: Pioneer Skills is a fun, hands on class where you learn about what life was like for early settlers.  Learn how to make candles, braid your own rope, pan for gold, throw tomahawks, and play games used by the early settlers.  You are welcome to take home your candle, rope, and any gold (or really cool rocks) you find.

Hiking, Hiking, Hiking:  You will never guess what we do in this program.  Join our staff on the Mazanita Trail loop.  While hiking, you will get some general information about subjects such as geology, hiking safety, wild plants and animals, and any other variety of science facts.  This program is great for those teachers wanting to get their students out in nature getting some exercise, or just interested in burning off some of that excess energy for a good nights sleep.

Outside  Senses:  Have you ever listened to a rotten log, smelled a patch of moss, listened to what a chipmunk had to say, or watched a quail take her children for a walk?  Use your eyes, ears, noses, tongues, and hands in this exploratory hike.  A fun interactive program, and a great introduction to outdoor science.  ( for k-5th grades.)    

Outdoor Adventure Education:

Team Building: Help your group to form lasting bonds through this physically and mentally challenging program.  Watch as your group progresses through as series of challenges that require the effort of the whole team to find success.  Between activities you will participate in discussions about the characteristics of an effective team, good communication, what leadership is, and the importance of each role within the team.

This program is a must for student leadership groups, sports teams, and professional development.

Low ropes: Cross ropes challenges over a rushing stream while trying not to slip and get your feet wet.  In combination with a series of low ropes team challenges, this is an excellent introduction to outdoor adventure.  This is a fun and challenging, but not so scary, program targeted toward a younger audience.  All Ages.

Leap of Faith:  Have you ever seen an adventure show on T.V. where some contestant has to jump into midair, catch something in front of them, and hang.  Then wondered if you could do it?  Here is your chance to find out.  Climb a tree to a perch 40 ft. in the air.  Then take a flying leap trying to catch a trapeze hanging in front of you.  Feel the rush as you test your limits in this intense physical and mental challenge.   Ages 12 and up.

Rappelling: Take the challenge and step off backwards onto a rock face 30 ft. tall.  Learn the basics of rappelling in a safe and supportive environment.  Choose from two routs: a gradual line and a more challenging sheer wall.  This is an excellent introduction to outdoor adventure activities and first time rappelling.  Ages 9 and up. 

Zip Line: Harness up and take the ride.  Climb up a tree onto a platform 45 feet in the air.  Then hook into the zip line, count down from 5, and plunge down watching 400 feet of desert floor whiz under your feet.  This is a great first time outdoor adventure activity, and fun for all ages 9 and up.

High Ropes Course: Get the full experience with our complete high ropes challenge.  Begin with a 40 foot ascent to a perch high up in the trees.  Then tackle three obstacles at dizzying heights including a Burma bridge, a vine crossing, and an X-crossing.  Finish out the whole experience with a ride down our 400 foot zip line.  This activity pushes the limits of your comfort zone in a safe and supportive environment. Ages 9 and up.  An additional charge applies.

Day and Overnight Hikes: Join us in an exploration of the Angeles National Forest.  You will explore desert and mountain ecologies while learning about a variety of natural science subjects, and wilderness survival techniques.  These hikes range from half day to multiple night explorations.  Challenges levels depend on your group’s level of fitness and desires.

Night Programs: 

Night hike with Star Study:  Have you ever pondered the universe?  How is a star formed?  What is a shooting star?  Why do stars twinkle?  Find out the answers to these and many other questions as we walk under a night sky unpolluted by city lights.  Beginning at dusk we walk from front campus to our water tower.  Once the sun has set and the stars are out, watch and listen as our outdoor educators take you star hopping.  Learn the constellations while we play connect the dots through the universe with the aide of a laser pen.  After the program you can turn on your flashlights for a safe and easy hike back to your sleeping areas.     

Nocturnal Exploration:  Have you ever been scared by the sounds of the night, or wondered what creatures scurry in unseen passages? Come explore our campus after the sun has set.  You will see bats, listen for owls, and search for other animals that go bump in the night. Learn about the evolutionary advantages of nocturnal living while staying close to home base.

Campfire Extravaganza:  Everyone who ever went away to camp has fond recollections of campfire programs.  Our Campfire Extravaganza will surpass your fondest memories.  We sing, dance, tell stories, perform skits, show off our strangest of talents, and eat s'mores.  Join us for a fun filled evening in what will be one of the most entertaining aspects of camp.     

Campfire Cooking:  Have dessert the old fashion way.  Campers will experience first hand how people cooked their food before the invention of microwaves and range tops.  Each camper will play a role in the preparation of the dessert selections.  We cover all the bases from building a proper cooking fire, to making an old fashion Dutch oven peach cobbler..  After dinner we sing traditional cooking songs and play games around the fire.     

Predator and Prey:  Need to burn off a little steam before bedtime?   Come join us for an exciting game of Predator and Prey in Tipi Village.  In this game of flashlight tag the prey hides in the dark while the predators search for their evening meal.  Each player on the prey team is given a bandana.  If a predator catches them the bandana is handed over.  The predator with the most bandanas wins, and prey that is not found are the next predators.