Outdoor School

Teacher's Corner »

The mission and ministry of El Camino Pines Outdoor School is to provide quality learning experiences in the natural environment that teach students appreciation for nature and each other. Our environmental education program began in 1972 and has expanded to serve close to 1,400 students annually from over 60 public and parochial schools in Southern California.

El Camino Pines Outdoor School is a three, four, or five-day residential program that emphasizes environmental education and community-building experiences primarily to upper-elementary age students. Our courses cover several disciplines in the areas of natural, physical, and social sciences. These courses are taught by qualified, caring staff in a safe, supervised environment. Students enjoy learning in a beautiful outdoor setting while growing together in community.

Outdoor School Reservation Request Form

Our Instructors have college-level education, camp experience, and specialized training in environmental education, First Aid, and CPR. They are carefully screened to meet American Camp Association guidelines and have experience working with children. Fingerprinting and background checks are mandatory for all staff.

Environmental Education

Our environmental education program began in 1972 and has expanded to serve close to 1,400 students annually from over 60 public and parochial schools in southern California. Our mission is to provide quality learning experiences in the natural environment that teach students appreciation for nature and for each other. Outdoor School is a three- to five-day residential program that emphasizes environmental education and community-building experiences primarily to upper-elementary age students.

Our courses cover several disciplines in the areas of natural, physical and social sciences. These courses are taught by qualified, caring staff in a safe, supervised environment. Students enjoy learning in a beautiful outdoor setting while growing together in community. Our Instructors have college level education, camp experience and specialized training in environmental education, First Aid and CPR. They are carefully screened to meet American Camp Association guidelines and have experience working with children. Fingerprinting and background checks are mandatory before hiring.

Choose from over 25 classes

El Camino Pines Outdoor School provides the entire program. Your school chooses what classes you would like to take from our diverse curriculum of over 25 classes. We work in cooperation with the schools to design a program that is best suited to the needs of the students. From a hike to the San Andreas Fault , to our up-to-date Astronomy PowerPoint show, students rarely sit and listen to lecture. Our staff engages students with hands-on experiments, gripping images, and even characters from another time in California History.

Our program incorporates California State Educational Standards and is completely updated and revised on a regular basis. Training is extensive and ongoing. Students are divided into learning groups anywhere from 10 to 20 in number, depending on the size of the school. Class sessions run approximately 2 hours. For religious schools, Christian beliefs and principles are incorporated into each class.

Over 30 Years of Experience

El Camino Pines is a fantastic opportunity for your staff and students. We have a 30-year history of providing great hands-on education at the most competitive prices in Southern California . Upon request, we can provide you with references for schools who have attended El Camino Pines for many years.

Core Classes

  • Chumash Native American Study
  • Earthquake Walk
  • Environmental Discovery
  • Forest Ecology
  • Forest & Wildlife
  • Geology
  • Low Ropes Course
  • Pollution Studies
  • Weather Lab
  • Wildlife Ecology

Special Programs

  • California Trail
  • Community Dynamics 1 & 2
  • Half Day Hike
  • Predator and Prey

Elective Classes

  • Lacrosse
  • Orienteering
  • Outdoor Cooking
  • Ravine Expedition
  • Rock Wall Climb
  • Scorienteering
  • Survival
  • Snow Survival

Evening Activities

  • Astronomy
  • Night Walk
  • Environmental Debate
  • Folk Dance
  • New Games
  • Talent Show

For more information, please contact Chris Smith in the El Camino Pines office at (661) 245-3519 or by e-mail at chris@lrcchome.com.

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