Coastal Science Programs

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 and Miwok history, redwood forest ecosystems, and ocean, tide pool, and beach ecology. We investigate and discuss the myriad of ways in which climate change is impacting our coastal areas with an ethic of conservation and stewardship integrated throughout everything we do. We offer our coastal science programs in a variety of locations including: Pt. Reyes National Seashore, Pt. Lobos State Preserve/Monterey Bay, and Pescadero Coastline & Redwoods. In each location, our "family-style" camping format helps students grow socially & emotionally and connect with the world around them in new and exciting ways. Our program curriculum and activities can be customized to meet your needs and lessons are aligned with California History-Social Science and Next Generation Science Standards across multiple grade-levels. 

Each location offers its own variety of experiences & learning opportunities!
​Click to learn more about each site or give us a call (650) 969-6325 to discuss which option is best for you. 

FIELDGUIDES sharing circleIntroduction/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 & dinner preparation.   
            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 bayDrakes Bay.
Day 2   7:00-7:30 a.m.  Everyone up.
            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 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 at FIELDGUIDESTide pool ladder transect.
Day 3   7:00-7:30 a.m.  Everyone up. Breakfast and 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 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 at FIELDGUIDESBeach barbeque and campfire.
Day 4  7:00-7:30 a.m.  Everyone up. Breakfast and 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.  Large scale 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.
bridge farewell Toro ParkA 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 goodbyes.
            11:00 a.m.- Noon.  Bus arrives and students depart.
Video courtesy of Betty Borges and St Paul School.
A look inside one of Fieldguides coastal science programs! Hear from Fieldguides founder, James Camp and the staff, students and teachers that have worked with Fieldguides for years!
Contact us today! FIELDGUIDES INC. (650)969-6325. info@fieldguides.org