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For current program costs, call (909) 389-1438
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Overview
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Outdoor Science School, in operation since 1974, offers four and five day programs for fifth and sixth grade students at various sites in the
San Bernardino Mountains. The sites are adjacent to the San Bernardino National Forest and provide a unique opportunity to study the natural
environment. The weeklong experience also provides an ideal atmosphere for development of social skills and self-esteem. Both students and
teachers go home from Outdoor Science School knowing more about the natural world and themselves.
Outdoor Science School curriculum is aligned with the California Science Content Standards. During the week, students hike academic trails to
cover the core curriculum. They also go on an adventure hike, attend a science session, and perform original skits relevant to the environmental
or science theme of the week. Students learn responsibility and cooperation through group living, practice courtesy and table manners, and
learn new games and songs.
Students live in comfortable heated cabins in groups of 12-15 students supervised by an OSS Instructor. Well balanced meals are served in the
dining hall where the students, teachers and staff enjoy their meals together. A Health Services Technician (RN or EMT) lives at each site
during the week to provide health care. The teachers who accompany the students live on site as well. They are an integral part of all program
activities, including learning to teach an academic trail which they teach to the students during the week.
The program is certified by COSA (California Outdoor School Administrators Association). All aspects of the program including curriculum,
facilities, safety, and staffing, are evaluated for this certification.
Click here to view the OSS Preview video (  26.9 MB). Quicktime is required to view video.
Click here to view the OSS Preview (Spanish) video ( 30.8 MB).
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Sites
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Arbolado
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Arbolado is located in the Barton Flats area at 6,200 feet. It is set back from the highway and surrounded by national forest. The academic trails
pass through yellow pine forest, chaparral, and a seasonal stream bordered by riparian woodland. The hikes offer views of the Santa Ana River
watershed and the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Arbolado is often snowy in winter.
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Cedar Crest
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Cedar Crest is located near the town of Running Springs at an elevation of 6,500 feet. It is surrounded by national forest and a seasonal stream
runs through the site. The trails wind through the yellow pine forest, offer views of the surrounding mountains, and include a scenic walk along
the stream. Some of the longer recreational hikes overlook Lake Arrowhead and the Mohave Desert. Snow is common and lingers most winters.
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Creekside
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Creekside is located in Mill Creek Canyon near the town of Forest Falls at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Creekside is on the sunny, south-facing
slope of the canyon and backs up to the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Trails travel through mixed evergreen forest, chaparral and riparian woodland.
The open, rocky streambed along Mill Creek is ideal for studying geology. Snow is infrequent and tends to melt quickly.
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Forest Center
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Forest Center is located in Mill Creek Canyon near the town of Forest Falls at an elevation of 5,200 feet. Forest Center is on the shady side
of the canyon and has views of the San Gorgonio Wilderness. Trails travel through mixed evergreen forest, chaparral and riparian woodland. The
open, rocky streambed along Mill Creek is ideal for studying geology. Snow is infrequent, but tends to linger.
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Mountain Chai (pronounced High)
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Mountain Chai (formerly Alpine Meadows) is located in the Barton Flats area at an elevation of 7,000 feet. It is surrounded by national forest
and backs up to the San Gorgonio Wilderness. The trails wind through the yellow pine forest and offer spectacular views of the surrounding
mountains, including San Gorgonio, the highest point in Southern California at 11,500 feet. Some of the longer, recreational hikes lead to
the headwaters of the Santa Ana River. Mountain Chai is often snowy in winter.
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Curriculum Topics
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Astronomy
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Students attend a slide presentation, go on a star walk, and look through telescopes to learn about the solar system, star
formation, constellations, galaxies, and other deep sky objects. The night sky is spectacular due to the mountain location
and distance from city lights.
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Botany
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Students use plant keys to identify common trees and plants. How Native Americans used the plants and the importance
of plants in the ecosystem are also discussed.
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Ecology
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Ecosystems such as the forest, chaparral, and riparian woodland are studied in depth. Students observe and learn
the living and nonliving components as well as the processes of ecosystems: cycles, food chains, and interdependence.
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Geology
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The San Bernardino Mountains were uplifted through folding and faulting, a result of tectonic forces and the
range's location near the San Andreas Fault. Students learn plate tectonics and mountain building processes, observe
the effects of weathering and erosion, and study rock classifications. Students use rock hammers and safety
goggles to help identify local rocks and minerals.
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Meteorology
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Weather is important at Outdoor Science School since many activities take place outdoors. Students use
weather instruments to measure current weather conditions and make predictions.
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Night Hike
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Students experience the mountains at night. They learn about local nocturnal animals, their adaptations, and
predator/prey relationships. Through sensory experiments, students learn what it is like to be a nocturnal animal.
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Outdoor Skills
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Students gain an appreciation of the area and learn how to limit their impact on the natural environment.
Hiking techniques, trail etiquette, and survival skills are covered.
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Scientific Method
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Students use the scientific method and science process skills to study the environment. Observing, recording,
comparing, categorizing, formulating hypotheses, and drawing conclusions are skills put into practice in various activities.
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Social Skills
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Outdoor Science School provides the opportunity for students to develop social skills in a structured setting. Living
with peers encourages students to make new friends and requires cooperation and courtesy. Cleaning their cabins, setting
tables, and serving food are responsibilities shared by all students. Guided by the staff, students practice table manners
and the art of conversation. Teamwork is necessary for a cabin group to plan and perform a skit.
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Wildlife
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Local wildlife, their characteristics and needs, and how changes in habitat affect wildlife populations are some of the
concepts covered. Students develop their observational skills while searching for evidence of animals and using binoculars
to identify any animals encountered.
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