OUR BRANCHES OUTDOOR SCHOOL PROGRAM
We understand that every school is different, and so we offer two options for programming.
The first option, and the one we highly suggest, is an Overnight program with us. There are many benefits that come with an Overnight program. It provides an opportunity for students to expand their comfort zone, experience learning in a new setting, and create a positive relationship with nature. Overnight programs at Branches Outdoor School are 3 days and 2 nights or longer by request. Your students will take part in lessons during the day, fun and exciting activities in the evening, and all meals are provided during your stay with us.
The second option is Day programming. Staying overnight can be difficult, and while it is our more popular program, we want to make sure that Branches Outdoor School is available to all. During a typical Day trip you join us after having met at school, come out for the school day and participate in lessons, and then head back in time for dismissal. We offer the same lessons as we would during an overnight, with the only difference being no evening activities.
SAMPLE 3-DAY OVERNIGHT SCHEDULE
Day 1
10:00 Arrive
10:30 Introductions and Group Orientation
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Lessons
4:00 Recreation Time
5:00 Dinner
6:15 Evening Program
7:30 Released to Chaperones
Day 2
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Lessons
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Lessons
4:00 Campfire Practice
5:00 Dinner
6:30 Evening Program
7:30 Released to Chaperones
Day 3
7:30 Pack Up
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Final Lessons
10:15 Clean
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Depart
SAMPLE 3-DAY DAY ONLY SCHEDULE
Day 1
9:00 Arrive
9:30 Introductions and Group Orientation
10:00 Lessons
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Lessons
4:00 Depart
Day 2
9:00 Arrive
9:30 Warm Up Activity
10:00 Lessons
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Lessons
4:00 Depart
Day 3
9:00 Arrive
9:30 Warm Up Activity
10:00 Lessons
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Lessons
3:30 Clean
4:00 Depart
OVERNIGHT PROGRAM PRICING
3 Day, 2 Night:
- $400 per student
- $200 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
5 Day, 4 Night:
- $600 per student
- $300 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
DAY PROGRAM PRICING (W/O LUNCH)
3 Days:
- $100 per student
- $50 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
4 Days:
- $140 per student
- $65 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
5 Days:
- $180 per student
- $80 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
DAY PROGRAM PRICING (WITH LUNCH)
3 Days:
- $145 per student
- $95 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
4 Days:
- $200 per student
- $125 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
5 Days:
- $255 per student
- $155 per adult outside the 1:10 ratio
CURRICULUM
Our lessons cover a wide range of Next Generation Science Standards and educational topics. The foundation of our curriculum building is inspired and uses resources provided by the BEETLES curriculum out of the University of California at Berkeley. This style of lesson promotes exploration, peer communication, and thoughtful reflection. Before your trip, you will be able to pick and choose which lessons and evening activities (if participating in an Overnight Program) your students will be able to participate in. All of the lessons we offer can be explored below, (* indicates our most popular or foundational lessons)!
FOUNDATIONAL LESSONS
EXPERIENTIAL LESSONS
ECOLOGY LESSONS
ADVENTURE LESSONS
EVENING ACTIVITIES
Learn about, understand, and initiate science with others.
Cover the fundamentals of what an ecosystem is and how it functions.
Work together to grow and develop as a team and as peers.
Time to recount your trip, and focus on what was most important to you.
Explore artists in the field and create your own installation of art.
Pick up a compass and try to navigate through our Orienteering course.
Listen to how birds communicate and identify adaptations in the wild.
Zoom in on the insects that help run our ecosystem.
See energy flow from a large scale all the way down to a single organism.
Understand how fire can be both a boon and a hindrance to our ecosystem.
Seek out these important organisms and learn how to identify them.
Decomposition is an integral part of any system, and here we talk about it.
Take a walk through time and discover the different periods of evolution.
Get up close and personal with the foundation of every ecosystem.
Discover how healthy our creek is, and what critters delve below the water.
Learn about the history and mechanics of one of the world's oldest activities, and try your hand at the sport yourself.
Test yourself, set a personal challenge, and cheer on your peers as you tackle our climbing tower.
Lay back and open your eyes to the constellations above.
Enjoy skits, songs, and maybe even a special treat!
Explore your other senses on this hike through the night.
Strut across the solar system and learn fun facts along the way.