Golden State Adventure 2009 Monterey Bay, Yosemite and San Francisco. From waterfalls, to pacific whales, from sea otters to granite domes and ancient Sequoia groves.

Adventures to Planet Earth Golden State Adventure-Overview 8 day program Hotel and cabin accommodations Large deluxe motorcoach Finest field guides Yosemite Institute, University of California at Monterey Bay

Golden State Adventure Itinerary Our route takes us from San Francisco south to Monterey, then east to Yosemite National Park before returning to San Francisco. At University of California Monterey Bay

Brief Highlights of Program Monterey Bay whale cruise-blue, gray and humpback whales Kelp bed kayaking-sea otters, seals up close Discovery of sandy shores and rocky tidepool ecosystems Expert instruction by University of California-Camp SEA Lab

Brief Highlights page 2 Yosemite National Park-Hosted by Yosemite Institute Valley waterfalls, glaciers, granite walls High Country-Granite domes, Sequoia groves, High Sierra alpine meadows The Best of San Francisco from Pier 39, to the Exploratorium, to hiking the Golden Gate Bridge

Earth Explore Foundation Adventures to Planet Earth Sponsoring Teacher-led educational programs since 1995 Founded by teachers and outdoor educators Mission is to connect students with their planet More than 4 thousand students from 35 states have participated

Adventures to Planet Earth Fun and Learning in Inspiring Places

Just the Facts-Earth Explore Led by teachers from students’ own school Lowest adult to student ratio in youth travel Credit opportunities World’s finest partner universities and outdoor educators-HANDS ON An ideal mix of learning and fun adventure Structured Preparation Meetings get students ready for the trip

Earth Explore Foundation sponsors trips, emphasizing cross-disciplinary outdoor education--not just a tour Study Planet Earth and its cultures-combines science, history, art and adventure Create enduring connections with the natural world Studies/Adventure activities based on National Educational Standards

What happens when? Groups form August through November Groups usually full by January first Teacher conducts preparation sessions in late winter and spring Usually 4-6 two hour get-togethers Student receives the Naturalist newsletter quarterly, and program Adventure Guide

What happens when? Travel Packet arrives in May –Detailed day to day itinerary –Official program cap, field journal, photo credentials, luggage tags, T- shirt

Earth Explore Online PDFs to download Program Newsletters Student Application Health Form (spring) Academic Credit Outline Fundraising Packet Day to Day Schedules

Earth Explore Adventures Student application process Applications accepted until local group is full, then waitlist is begun If student is not known to teacher, interview is required Limited number of spaces for each Adventure each season Student application is mailed, faxed, or submitted online

Student application process - continued Lead teacher will have materials or they can be requested from the National Office or downloaded online Friends or siblings can participate, but they must be interviewed if not known to the teacher

Our California Adventure Begin in Monterey Program introduction and teambuilding at Camp SEA Lab Sea Kayaking in coastal kelp beds Monterey Bay Aquarium

Monterey Bay- Marine Science Whale cruise in outer Monterey Bay Sightings of Gray, Blue and Humpback Naturalist guided on board discussions Humpback sighting

Monterey Bay- Marine Science Exploration of near shore ecosystems Rocky coast and sandy beach scavenger hunt Naturalist programs on coastline marine environments Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary

Monterey Bay Views

To Yosemite- Heart of the Sierra Morning transfer to Yosemite National Park Introduction and welcome by Yosemite Institute

Yosemite Valley- Waterfalls, Granite Walls Yosemite Valley waterfalls and ecosystems Hikes and challenge activities with naturalists of the Yosemite Institute

Yosemite High County- Sentinel Dome and beyond Hike to summit of Sentinel Dome, Glacier Point Views of High Sierra, discussions of mountain glaciers, valley formation, mountain ecosystems Glacier Point view View from Sentinel Dome

Yosemite High Country Tuolumne Meadows from Lembert Dome

The Sequoia Groves Cathedral of Giants Hike to Tuolumne Grove of Giant Sequoias YI naturalist led program on world’s largest living things Discussion of forest ecosystems and lifecycle

Views of Yosemite

San Francisco Adventure Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf, Bay Cruise, Golden Gate San Francisco history, culture and sights Golden Gate Bridge Lombard-World’s Crooked-est street Bridge from the Bay

The Best of California Golden State Adventure 2009