Beverly Vista School

Outdoor Education

ASTROCAMP

Beverly Vista sixth graders have a fabulous educational opportunity each winter. Students may attend AstroCamp in March to study astronomy, physical science, and earth science, and to participate in carefully designed activities that focus on teambuilding and individual accomplishment. Students will learn science through hands-on laboratory activities in state-of-the-art facilities, and will learn to work together and challenge themselves through safe and professionally guided adventure programs.

The AstroCamp program has been in operation for over twenty years and is operated by Guided Discoveries, a non-profit organization. The AstroCamp facilities are located in the San Jacinto Mountains, near the town of Idyllwild. The facilities include dormitories, a dining hall, and laboratory classrooms complete with telescopes and other specialized scientific equipment. The highly-trained AstroCamp staff, together with the Beverly Vista faculty, provides instruction to research groups of about fifteen students.

CATALINA ISLAND MARINE INSTITUTE

Beverly Vista seventh graders have a fabulous educational opportunity each fall. They may attend the Catalina Island Marine Institute in October to study marine biology, oceanography, and island ecology. Students explore various plants and animals of the marine environment through hands-on laboratory activities, and by snorkeling in the clear and calm coastal waters.

The Catalina Island Marine Institute (CIMI) has been in operation for over twenty years. Their facilities at Toyon Bay include dormitories, a dining hall, research boats, and classrooms complete with aquariums, video-microscopes, and other specialized equipment. Students do not need any prior training or experience to participate in the activities. The staff at CIMI will provide all of the instruction and equipment needed.

YOSEMITE

Beverly Vista’s Outdoor Education Program for 8th graders takes place each year at Yosemite National Park in February. Students spend part of the time in Yosemite Valley and the remainder at other locations within the park.

The Yosemite Institute offers an outstanding program. Daytime excursions, led by Institute instructors and accompanied by Beverly Vista teachers, enable students to learn about the history of Yosemite National Park, Native American culture, preservation of the environment, local flora and fauna and provide opportunities for creative expression, photography, and first-hand observation of the unique geologic phenomena.

Evening activities are arranged by the Institute staff and Beverly Vista faculty and can include additional instruction, astronomy hikes and ice skating. This experience also provides an unusual opportunity for the interaction of students with each other and with teachers which can have a very positive carry-over to the school environment. Since the outdoor education program cuts across all subject areas, it provides a wonderful intellectual experience as well.