joshua tree: 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

15 minutes for ambulance

So…You’re going where?

OVER HERE !

Indian Cove Campground

WOW !

For a first-time visitor the desert may appear bleak and drab. Viewed from the road, the desert only hints at its vitality. Closer examination

reveals a fascinating variety of plants and animals. A rich cultural

history and surreal geologic features add to the attraction of this place.

Two deserts come together at Joshua Tree National Park. Below 3,000

feet, the Colorado

Desert encompasses the eastern part of the

park.

The higher, moister, and

slightly cooler

Mojave Desert is the

special habitat of the Joshua tree.

So, off-load your gear…

And…

MAKE YOUR SELF AT HOME

And let’s get you fed

Meals are wholesome affairs providing the nutrition needed for active participants

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.

What Next ?

Get ready for…

GROUND SCHOOL

This is the chance to learn a few knots and practice the skills needed to keep one another safe and “on belay”.

GOT SKILLS ?

Adventure; freedom; reach the top; enjoy

nature; exercise; excitement.

Are You Ready ?

LET’S CLIMB !

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! 

A VARIETY OF ROUTES LETS YOU CHOOSE THE DIFFICULTY

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

Joshua Tree National Park is one of the most popular rock

climbing areas in the world. More than 4,500 established

routes offering a wide range of difficulty are concentrated

within about 100,000 acres of park land.

After a short break in the shade…

Hike and Explore

But, Please don’t

pick the flowers!

There’s a few other optional activities…

Journal & ReflectiveActivity

Map & CompassOrienteering

Animal Tracking

Creativity

Relaxation & Stretching

Fun Games

Joshua Tree is a great place to introduce your students to a multi-day backpacking experience.

And after the sunset…

NIGHT WALK

Star studies and the night sky

Or sit beside a…

CAMPFIRE

A Typical Day7:30Breakfast 9:00Groups A and B do journal activities, desert ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups C and D climb 12:00 Lunch by groups1:00 Groups C and D do journal activities, desert ecology hike, group initiatives. Groups A and B climb 4:30Return to camp for large group games6:00Dinner 7:30Evening Program: Night walk and star study9:00Students released to faculty

Desert EcologyDesert EcologyRock ClimbingRock Climbing

Human & Cultural HistoryHuman & Cultural HistoryDesert TravelDesert TravelTeam BuildingTeam BuildingFun and GamesFun and Games

And when it’s time to go…

You won’t forget…

Joshua Tree Joshua Tree National ParkNational Park

DISCOVER IT !DISCOVER IT !

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).

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

check us out at …