whitsett: naturalists at large

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 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 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: Kernville, response time 1 hour

Medivac Helicopter: Varies (about 30 minutes)Law Enforcement: Sheriff of Kern County

6 hours from Los Angeles

and the Bay Area,

an hour north of

Lake Isabella.

Camp Whitsett, at 5,500 feet in elevation, has a wide range of activity areas for your outdoor education trip.

Streams and lakes dot a yellow pine forest with miles of hiking trails, a ropes course, rock climbing, canoeing and plenty of room to tent camp or use the cabin option.

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.

Educational Themes can include:

A Sense of Place. Geology of the Sierra Nevada MountainsBirds of the SierraTree IdentificationPlants and AnimalsBlack Bears The Conifer ForestHigh Sierra WeatherStream Studies

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.

The Naturalists at Large ropes program is designed to introduce all students to this exciting activity. Students learn to work together and cooperate towards a common goal. Ropes instruction is complemented by challenge and initiative games that will foster greater group interaction.

The high-ropes course at Camp Whitsett

Lessons learned include trust in fellow students, increased ability to focus, and development of self-esteem. The few climbing skills acquired by the students focus on a safe and successful experience.

And a few other optional activities…

Journal & ReflectiveActivity

Map & CompassOrienteering

Animal Tracking

Creativity

Relaxation & Stretching

Fun Games

And with a short

shuttle drive…

Evening ProgramsNaturalists at Large will use the evening as

an alternative activity/learning time for students. Each evening will have a

different focus.Astronomy: constellations, motion of stars and planets, stellar evolution, stories and

myths.Evening hikes to foster confidence with no

artificial light. We also cover nocturnal adaptations of animals.

Traditional campfire: songs, stories and skits performed by the students and

Naturalists at Large staff.

Star studies and the night sky

A Sample of a Day7:30Breakfast 9:00Groups A and B do ropes course, group initiatives. Groups C and D hike and do stream study12:00 Lunch by groups1:00 Groups A and B do journal activities, ecology hike. Groups C and D rock climb.4:30Return to camp for large group games6:00Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Night walk and star study9:00Students released to faculty

A great adventure for the group…

And the individual.

Allergies, Medications, Special Dietary Needs

Ask us about…

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).

A good water bottle (quart or liter).

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

Ground pad. Ensolite pads are much cheaper than thermarest types and work just as well.

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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