The 7th grade overnight field trip to Yosemite is scheduled for November 2017, and the exact dates will be communicated as we approach the next school year.  The cost for the field trip is estimated to be around $660 per student.  Scholarships are available so please see Amanda in the front office to complete a scholarship form.  

There will be a parent informational meeting in October to discuss the trip.  At least one parent for each student should plan on attending the meeting.

The Yosemite National Park trip is a five-day and four-night trip where students participate in hands-on experiences under the guidance of experienced NatureBridge educators and Woodside School teachers and administrators.

Students participate in inquiry-based learning by exploring the geologic history of the Sierra Nevada, engage in field research projects such as macro invertebrate biomonitoring, and discover how the environment has supported humans.  Students are empowered to see how their actions impact their community and the world around them through service learning projects (e.g., removing invasive species that threaten biodiversity in the Yosemite National Park).

Below is a sample daily itinerary for the Yosemite National Park trip.

Wake Up - 6:30 a.m. or 7:15 a.m.Top of Page

Students rise each morning and walk out of their cabins into one of the most stunning natural environments on the continent. They will use this time to shower, dress, and prepare for their day.

Breakfast - 7:15 a.m. or 8:00 a.m.Top of Page

While staying in Yosemite Valley, participants are served breakfast in the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. Meals are served buffet-style with numerous options to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!  Education on food and natural resources are integrated into meals in fun and engaging ways. 

Morning Meeting - 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.Top of Page

Teachers can opt to begin their day of hiking and learning at either 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. At this time, students and teachers meet their NatureBridge field educator in the cabin area to prepare for the instructional day. 

Instructional Day - 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.Top of Page

During the instructional day, the students split into trail groups that average 12 students per group, plus one or two teachers. The NatureBridge field educator assigned to each trail group will work with the same group every day. The educators provide the activities and curriculum, and teachers assist in group management and with the behavioral needs of individual students.  Lunch is typically eaten out on the trail. Each day’s learning adventures are customized to meet the academic and social goals that Woodside School has set. Some examples of popular instructional days:
  • Hiking in Yosemite Valley while learning about the geological processes that formed the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Yosemite Valley.
  • Learning about the winter adaptations of the plants and animals that live there.
  • Completing team-building challenges and exploring lessons on leadership while hiking to the top of one of Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls. 
  • Hiking in a giant sequoia forest while learning about the unique ecological interconnections that support these ancient and rare trees. 

Recreation Time - 4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.Top of Page

Students can use this time to shower and change, work on journals, or play outside. A school may also use this time for structured learning activities. Teachers supervise students during recreation time.
 

Dinner - 5:00 p.m. or 6:00 p.m.Top of Page

In Yosemite Valley, dinner is served in the Curry Village Dining Pavilion.  The food we serve is nutritious, plentiful and kid-friendly. Meals such as pasta with marinara sauce, a burrito bar, meat and vegetarian chili, and the ever-popular pizza, frequently appear on our menu.

Evening Program - 7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.Top of Page

Evening programs complement the material being presented during your field day. These large-group programs are engaging, educational, and inspiring. Students may engage in a town-hall style debate about the Hetch Hetchy Dam, learn about the history of art in Yosemite, take a night hike, or see a presentation about black bears.

Lights Out - 9:30 p.m.Top of Page

This is the time for students to use bathrooms, change clothes, and brush their teeth. Teachers supervise students during this time.The NatureBridge field safety officer is available to assist teachers with any issues that arise. Lights out is at 10 p.m.