Group Camping, Environmental Education, Historic Preservation

Environmental Education

Since 1976, Mendocino Woodlands Camp Association has offered youth outdoor environmental education to schools and groups throughout Northern California. Qualified staff guide campers and students in exploring and learning about wildlife and plant communities so they can better understand and respect our natural world. Hands-on activities focus on investigating the redwood forest, fresh water stream, rocky shore tide pools, and estuary.

Click below for more information on our unique Environmental Education programs!

Check out our Learn from Home and Fun Fact Friday pages for fun ways to connect with nature during this pandemic:

www.mendocinowoodlands.org/learn-from-home

www.mendocinowoodlands.org/funfactfriday

 
 

Mendocino Outdoor
Science School

 
 

Created in 1990, MWCA’s Mendocino Outdoor Science School (MOSS) is the largest environmental educational program at the Woodlands and one of the best of its kind in the nation.

During a twelve-week period every spring and a six-week period every fall, students in fourth through eighth grades attend programs that last three to five days. Each year, more than 1,000 kids attend MOSS from schools all over Northern California. They stay in cabins on-site and study in small field groups of twelve or less, each group under the guidance of an MWCA naturalist.

Environmental Education Director Jeanne Smith carefully selects a well-educated staff of ten or so naturalists from universities and outdoor education centers around the country. Prior to the arrival of the school groups, these naturalists also undergo intensive training in the MOSS format.

By the week’s end, the students’ positive communication and problem-solving skills have been strengthened, as well as an appreciation and respect for nature fostered.

 

discovery-based curriculum

MOSS explores a new natural community each day. Field groups enjoy hands-on activities investigating the redwood forest, fresh water stream, rocky shore tide pools and estuary. The concepts of habitat, adaptation, energy flow, nutrient cycling and interdependence are highlighted and reinforced in each ecosystem.

 

community building

MOSS functions as a small community where each and every person is a valued member. All activities—learning groups, recreation time and meals—are structured to encourage cooperation. A 10-element Challenge Course poses a series of physical problems students must solve together as a team.

 

cost + details

 
 

“Redwood Roots,” the video above, was performed and written by one of our wonderful naturalists, Ian Gledhill. Thanks, Ian!

The Mendocino Outdoor Science School is subsidized and supported by MWCA, which is dedicated to bringing environmental education to students at an affordable cost. The low tuition covers healthy meals, lodging, instruction and transportation for the coast field trip. Some scholarship assistance is available.

  • $390 per student for five-day programs

  • $310 per student for four-day programs

  • $260 per student for three-day programs

  • No cost for organizing teachers & volunteer chaperones

Contact Jeanne Smith for more information. You can also check our Employment Opportunities page for positions available for this program.

Click on the links below for forms and information you'll need for camp:

 
 
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Mendocino Outdoor
Science Camp for Homeschoolers

 
 

The same great outdoor science school experience; days spent learning out on the trail, delicious meals in the dining hall, and evenings by the campfire—but geared for the whole family!

 The Mendocino Outdoor Science School is happy to tailor a week to the needs and interests of a group of home school families. Students are chiefly divided by age/learning level and are assigned to a naturalist for the duration of their visit. Each day the students are learning on the trail from 9:30 to 3:30. There are optional offerings, hikes or activities for adults. Later in the week we have a field trip to the coast to explore the tide pools and hike the coastal trails. Families are given free time that afternoon to explore the North Coast.

 Families stay in historic cabins located under the redwoods. The cabins are like big wooden tents with army cots and mattresses—no linens are provided. There is no electricity in the cabins and no cell service in many parts of the Woodlands State Park. Many people comment on how welcome it is to spend time away from technology. Although, service is available nearby and there are outlets in the dining hall to recharge batteries.

 Diets and food allergies are a real concern these days. The Woodlands is a nut-free facility but cannot claim to be free of cross-contamination. With advance notice the weeks menu can be adjusted to the dietary wishes of a group. If there are life threatening allergies, we suggest that families augment the menu by bringing suitable food. A refrigerator and microwave are available in the dining hall.

 Most homeschool families will attend as a group. Our minimum is 45 participants. The organizer and one child attend for free as long as the minimum is met. Here’s what some home school parents have to say about the program…

 

 

discovery-based curriculum

MOSS explores a new natural community each day. Field groups enjoy hands-on activities investigating the redwood forest, fresh water stream, rocky shore tide pools and estuary. The concepts of habitat, adaptation, energy flow, nutrient cycling and interdependence are highlighted and reinforced in each ecosystem.

 

community building

MOSS functions as a small community where each and every person is a valued member. All activities—learning groups, recreation time and meals—are structured to encourage cooperation. A 10-element Challenge Course poses a series of physical problems students must solve together as a team.