Outdoor Education
What is Outdoor Education?
Outdoor Education is a science based overnight field trip. The length of the trip depends on the days in the camp calendar and the needs of the 5th grade student group. We are thrilled to offer Outdoor Education at our school site. In addition to academic learning, the program provides a unique opportunity for students to develop self-esteem, self-sufficiency, and social responsibility. Students take care of themselves by making their beds, caring for their clothes, and keeping themselves clean. They work as part of a team by setting up meals, cleaning the dining hall, and having opportunities to create a skit performance. The opportunity for new friendships and the spirit of cooperation makes the trip a memorable social and educational experience.
Prior to Outdoor Education, teachers present information to students and parents to help prepare them for the experience.
School safety is a priority for these trips, and we want to assure you that your child will be safe and cared for at Outdoor Education. Your child will be supervised at all times by their cabin leader, naturalist, and/or teacher. Our team is responsible for dispensing any necessary medication and will contact you if your child experiences any health problems while at Outdoor Education.
It is not unusual for some students to miss their families and homes for the first few hours at Outdoor Education. You can help prepare your child for their time away from home by communicating your enthusiasm and excitement. A goal of the trip is to build independence even if they experience a bit of homesickness.For more notes on homesickness and separation, please consult Advice For Being Away From Home.
Outdoor Education is a once in a lifetime experience that your child will always remember. The learning and excitement shared with friends and classmates is often mentioned by graduating high school students as a highlight of their school years. Thank you for helping the Outdoor Education staff and teachers make this the best possible experience for your child.
General Information
Outdoor Education planning starts one year in advance, and camp location and dates are tentatively secured during winter months for the following school year. An informational meeting is hosted by the school at the beginning of the following school year to review information.
Where Are Camps?
Outdoor Ed field trip programs are at various locations within the Bay Area. Currently PUSD has contracts with Exploring New Horizons Program and Web of Life (WOLF) Field Schools, each having different programs around the Bay Area offering different science camp options.
How Much is Outdoor Education Camp?
Outdoor Education field trip programs can cost between $300-$500 per student depending on camp location and duration of trip. We attempt to raise funds for the trip by asking for donations from families and/or during fundraising events. As with all field trips, if we do not raise sufficient funds, then the field trip is canceled. We try to avoid such situations by asking for these donations. We will set up fundraising for future trips to try and reduce costs to families, which may start as early as your student's 4th grade year.
Current Year Information 2024-25 |
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| Dates | Location |
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October 8th - 10th Students have a non-school day on October 11th |
Camp Arroyo Camp Arroyo address: |
| Donation/Cost | |
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The cost of the trip per student is $300, which we ask families to donate via check or via credit through Future Fund. This cost will pay for lodging, food, and the Outdoor Ed program. The program includes a Program Director (1) and (6-7) naturalists that support our school group at an approximate ratio of 1 naturalist to 15-20 students, as well as instructional materials and supplies necessary for the program. We have a scholarship program to support students who may not have sufficient funds to cover this donation. Please reach out to your teacher should you need that support. |
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| Transportation to/from Camp | |
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In our effort to get all participating students (~120+) and chaperones to the Outdoor Education location safely and with all necessary equipment, we reviewed our options for transportation. We understand the closer location could make use of parent support in transporting; however, with the size of our group and morning checklists, we would like to ease that burden by utilizing the PPIE funded buses. PPIE fundraises a year ahead of time, so all PPIE dollars, including bussing transportation, were allocated to the district in June. While PPIE offered us equivalent dollars to put towards another field trip, we feel this is the best way to give all WG students a busing experience that matches their peers across the district in a safe and organized manner. We will be using 3-4 buses to transport students to our destination rather than secure ~40 parents with Level 3 driving clearance to transport students to the Outdoor Education location. We feel this is a more environmentally friendly option as well, which connects to the educational experience of Outdoor Education. We thank PPIE for the very generous use of funding to support us in securing buses through Black Tie Bus Service. Our goal is to transport students to Outdoor Ed locations safely and return. |
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| Resources | |
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Permission Form for Prescription and/or Over the Counter medication Questions & Answers Document - please send any inquiries to the teachers and they will update responses for all families to review |
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“Building respect, appreciation and stewardship within the web of life.”
Information Meetings to Learn More about Camp Arroyo: FLYER LINK
9/9 @ 7pm, 9/16 @ 5pm, 10/7 @ 6pm
Webinar Link:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/9263357145?pwd=cFsozUG2NKcetLPpSozJmS5HFFVYAZ.1&omn=86387747118
For more information please visit: https://www.wolfschool.org