Coastal programs allow classes to study the ecology of some of the world's most diverse and beautiful outdoor environments. Fieldguides teach about Native American Ohlone or Miwok history, ocean, tide pool, and beach ecology, and coast redwood forest and oak chaparral ecosystems. An ethic of conservation and stewardship is integrated into all we teach. Service Learning projects are a popular activity incorporated into any program.
We offer coast programs such as the one described below using various sites. Some favorites include: Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Pt. Lobos State Preserve, Toro Park near Monterey, Memorial County Park in Pescadero, Sonoma County and Mendocino County State Parks, and more. Go to our Popular Programs page to learn more about what we typically do at the different sites. Our 5 day schedule below gives you an idea of some of the many different activities you can incorporate into your program of any length. Watch a science program in action.
Introduction/sharing circle.
A Sample Schedule for a 5 day program:
Day 1 11:00a.m. -1:00 p.m. Students arrive at campsite and are divided into study groups. 1-4:00 p.m. ORIENTATION HIKES - boundaries, get acquainted, cooperative games, expectations for the week, skits for campfire planned. 4:00 p.m. All class meeting for GROUP SHARING of the day's experiences. Talk about camp life and the rules. Sleeping gear is set out. Followed by free time: Wiffle Ball, Frisbee, reading, drawing, campfire prep, chaperoned play. Some students and chaperones help prepare dinner. 6:30 p.m. Dinner served, followed by cleanup and free time. 7:45 p.m. CAMPFIRE-songs, skits and stories led by FIELDGUIDES' staff and students. 8:45 p.m. Campfire ends, prepare for bed. All quiet by 10 p.m..
Drakes Bay.
Day 2 7:00 a.m. Everyone up - tents cleaned. 8:00 a.m. Breakfast and cleanup. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. LEADER'S CHOICE - Usually a hike through one or more natural communities: pygmy forest, redwoods, stream side, coastal strand, marsh, beach or tide pools. Our leaders use a combination of mini-lessons, hands-on exploration and nature games to teach students about plant and animal adaptations, geology, soils, ecology, natural cycles and resources/conservation. 2:30 p.m. TREASURE HUNT - All class map making game. 4:00 p.m. GROUP SHARING, followed by free time. 6:30 p.m. Dinner and cleanup 8:00 p.m. NIGHT HIKES in study groups
Tide pool ladder transect.
Day 3 7:00 a.m. Everyone up, breakfast cleanup complete by 9 a.m.. 9:30 a.m. Entire class to tidepools for a "LADDER TRANSECT"; students work in pairs to document all animal life in a 2'x 2' square. 10:45 a.m. LEADER'S CHOICE (see above) with lunch on the trail. 4:00 p.m. GROUP SHARING, followed by free time. 6:30 p.m. Dinner - followed by free time. 8:15 p.m. Study groups meet for STARGAZING.
Beach barbeque and campfire.
Day 4 7:00 a.m. Everyone up, breakfast cleanup complete by 9 a.m.. 9:30 a.m. LAND MANAGEMENT GAME-The class is divided into special interest groups to plan and debate land use proposals for local property. 11:45 a.m. Lunch in camp. 12:30 p.m. Near LIFE-SIZE MURAL is drawn by students to recreate the ladder transect. 1:30 p.m. SCAVENGER HUNT for items learned about during the week. 3:00 p.m. SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST. Followed by barbecue on the beach. 7:45 p.m. CAMPFIRE.
A fond farewell.
Day 5 7:00 a.m. Everyone up - pack gear. 8:30 a.m. Breakfast 9:30 a.m. All camp cleanup. 10:00 a.m. Study groups meet to evaluate, do a final activity and SAY GOOD BYE. 11:00 a.m.- Noon. Bus arrives and students depart.
Introduction/sharing circle.
Drakes Bay.
Tide pool ladder transect.
Beach barbeque and campfire.
A fond farewell.
