Van Nuys Middle School in Yosemite Sometime in early June, 2018

Overview of Program Introduction Video Nature’s Classroom Areas of Study Adults Who Can Go? Sample Day Getting There Accommodations Cost Getting Prepared Further Information

NatureBridge program video

Learning in Nature’s Classroom 6 Days and 5 Nights Hands-On Outdoor Science Program Educators provide an unforgettable experience in Yosemite! Hiking and exploring Yosemite National Park! Team building activities Inquiry-based learning by exploring the geology of Yosemite, learning the history of the Native peoples of the land, and participating in field research activities Students get inspired to make change through service- learning projects

Areas of Study Life Science & Ecology Watershed Studies Earth Science & Geology Cultural History Current Environmental Issues

Adults NatureBridge Educators: Providing instruction and activities Passion about teaching, youth, and the environment Years of experience-- have worked as park rangers and/or classroom teachers Medically trained (Wilderness First Responder Certification) Thorough background check Chaperones: Managing students, keeping them safe, and having active involvement Ms. Morales: 14 years at VNMS (7 years in VEA), teaching World and U.S. History, and taught Life Science and Earth Science Have taken four groups to Yosemite through NatureBridge/Yosemite Institute Ms. Darlene Ku: YS Coach at VNMS and loves the outdoors Mr. Pfau: parent of one of my students (Julia Pfau)

So, who can go? (Qualifications) 3.0 GPA or higher on the final 2017 Spring Semester report card No U’s for BOTH work habits and cooperation Completion of the program application and additional paperwork (by Friday, October 20, 2017) Attendance to biweekly meetings Commitment to fundraising AND making payments Participation in Yosemite related activities Follows the NatureBridge Student Contract The first 20 students who apply and commit to following the above by Friday, October 20, 2017

Sample Day 6:30–7:15 a.m. Wake up They will use this time to shower, dress, and prepare for their day. 7:15–8 a.m. Breakfast Participants are served breakfast in the Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) --buffet-style 8:30 or 9 a.m. Morning meeting At this time, students, teachers, and chaperones meet their NatureBridge educator in the cabin area prepared for the instructional day. 8:30/9 a.m.–4 p.m. Instructional day Students are split into trail groups averaging about 12 students, plus one or two teachers and chaperones. The educators provide the trail groups with activities and lessons with chaperones helping with group management. Lunch is eaten while out on the trail. 4–6 p.m. Recreation time Students can use this time to shower and change, work on journals, or play outside. Teachers and chaperones supervise during recreation time.

Sample Day continued... 5–6 p.m. Dinner Half Dome Village (formerly Curry Village) . 7:00–8:00 p.m. or 8:00–9:00 p.m. Evening program Evening programs complement the material being presented during your day. These large-group programs are engaging, educational, and inspiring. 9–10 p.m. Off to bed This is the time for students to use bathrooms, change clothes, and brush their teeth. Teachers and chaperones supervise students during this time. The NatureBridge field safety officer is available to assist chaperones with any issues that arise. Lights out is at 10 p.m.

What Happens In the Evenings? •NatureBridge provides a 45-60 minute program each evening. At these programs you may learn about a wide variety of topics, including: bears, coyotes, climbing and mountaineering expeditions, or climate change. •You may go on a hike on which you discover the world of the night, debate important park issues, or interact with other groups through games!

Getting There About 6-7 hour drive (313 miles) from VNMS to Yosemite National Park One private vehicle (mine), in case of emergencies, (can fit a total of 5) Depending on how many students go, usually rent two SUVs or 11- 12 passenger vans Leave from school on early Sunday morning and arrive in Yosemite by 3pm Yosemite NP Van Nuys MS

Accommodations Tent cabins (3 to 4 per cabin) Chaperones adjacent to student cabins Safety officer checks in with chaperones each evening and patrols the area all night Students practice the buddy-system Show items from the NatureBridge website for accommodations https://naturebridge.org/yosemite/school-group/sample-day

Henness Ridge Facility *Two night stay: Wednesday & Thursday * Dormitory style: Chaperones will be in same facility as students

Yosemite Environmental Science Education Center BRAND NEW! State-of-the-art-facility for adventures in rich environmental science experiences!

Cost •$535 per student (Don’t freak out!) •$133.75 from each student by Wednesday, January 10, 2018 (A 25% deposit is required to guarantee our spot for NatureBridge Yosemite) •Scholarships (based on student need) will be available after a deposit of $133.75 has been made. •Other costs will be transportation and supplies •We will need to fundraise as a team!

Payments (we will use STEPS) Installments: 1st due, January 10, 2018 (25% down= $133.75) (non-refundable) Payments made every month (we will work out the amount for each individual) Last installment will be made 30 days before our program begins Amount for each person will vary, depending on need (will need parents to fill out a questionnaire) Fundraising begins NOW We want the first 20 eligible child to go NO MATTER the financial circumstances! We will work with you!

Getting Prepared Fill out paperwork Biweekly meetings Hiking once a month on Saturdays Physical Preparation Team Building activities Getting supplies Fundraising Hydration

So, when do I sign up?! Deadline for 2 applications: --2.83 GPA and no U’s on the Final Report Card for the Spring Semester 2017 (must show proof!) --NatureBridge application Friday, October 20, 2017!!!

For Further Information... You can contact me: Ms. Morales nxm1772@lausd.net www.naturebridge.org/yosemite