Inside the Outdoors

I chaperoned my son’s 5^th grade class on a field trip yesterday, staffed by «Inside the Outdoors» at Rancho Sonado in Silverado Canyon.
The day was PERFECT! The staff met our bus at the bottom of the hill and discussed some basic safety tips and outlined how the day would progress. Our group had about 35 children and we were split into two groups. This worked out perfectly as each group was small enough that all the kids were able to be included in the discussions and the hands-​on interaction. The theme of our field trip was science based, surrounding ecosystems, habitats, ecology and healthy living choices.
Sean was our Naturalist for the day and he did an AWESOME job with the kids. He was funny and informative. He also made sure that when he discussed each concept or idea that he asked if the kids had and «questions or comments» so the kids all felt like they could join the discussion easily.
The day consisted of a beautiful hike, with learning stations spread out throughout the hike. As an example, the learning stations were about plant life, water habitats, how water recycles itself naturally and through treatment, local wildlife, and the kids making good choices in selecting healthy foods. Each station took 20 – 30 minutes and Sean discussed the topic and then there were hands-​on experiments and data gathering to go with each. The curriculum lent itself to each child thinking through a process or concept and then applying that concept by either categorizing or collecting data. It was like watching mini-​scientists in the making!
Half way though the day the two groups met-​up for lunch at the picnic tables. Our Naturalist guides joined us and continued to answer questions and engage the children. And they had multiple recycling bins for the kids to deposit their various items (baggies, juice boxes, paper bags, water bottles, etc.) after lunch, so the learning continued.
I would recommend either setting up a field trip for your class, or checking their website for community events. I am planning to send my 11-​year old son for at least 1-​week of one of the various summer camps they hold. I know he will enjoy his time and have many hands-​on learning experiences in the wonderful outdoors which are priceless in this day of electronic gadgets!

I came to Rancho Sonato to volunteer my time and skills through my company’s volunteer program. They had jobs this day from carpentry work build structures, picnic benches, trail maintenance, clearing the stream of evasive growth, painting to craft help. I enjoyed the experience here as you were set on your own to build their needed structures on your own with minimal assistance from the naturalists /​staff.
Inside the Outdoors provide and instruct K-​6^th graders with hands-​on and social science during their field trips to the facility. The kids will learn about the local plants and wildlife.
What if we could introduce children to the wildlife that we share the Earth with…
What if we could share with a child the wonder of seeing a bug through a microscope…
What if we could protect and preserve a wilderness area, so that children could visit the area to learn how important these places are…
What if we could help every child in Southern California explore nature and learn about the environment…
Well, when my day ended helping the naturalists and all future kids that will visit this site, made me feel good and I helped the future. Give your time, donations or even visit the facility for teaching the little ones.