In November, Rancho Vista fifth graders spend a week at Outdoor Science School at Camp Wrightwood.  For 2019-20 school year, the trip is scheduled from 11/12-11/15. Click here for comprehensive slide presentation.

The Wrightwood site is nestled in the beautiful San Gabriel Mountains, about a 90-minute drive from Los Angeles. There is an extensive trail system through various ecosystems, at elevations between 6,000 and 7,000 feet. Students in the program often find themselves atop a mountain with breathtaking views, or alongside a lovely creek with gurgling water and colorful rocks. In the evenings, they participate in many evening programs, such as the amazing Night Hike, hilarious Skit Night, and super fun Dance Night! 

The Outdoor Science School is fully furnished and outfitted for students to live comfortably for a week. The cozy cabins and lodges serve as the children’s home, where they are under the supervision of Cabin Leaders and sleep in bunk beds along with their friends. The cabins and lodges come equipped with heat, as well as indoor bathrooms/showers with hot running water. Every meal is provided by a fabulous kitchen staff, and students eat everyday in our large dining hall.  

The teaching staff at Wrightwood consists of qualified and experienced Naturalists who love being with kids! The Outdoor Science School curriculum is coordinated with the California State Science Framework and the Science Content Standards, and includes biology, ecology, and geology. Children learn from games, experiments, and hands-on activities. 

Students have a great time at the Outdoor Science School learning about science in our special classroom – the outdoors! Whether it’s hiking with our knowledgeable Naturalists, playing games, singing songs, or meeting new friends, everyone is sure to have an unforgettable experience at Wrightwood!