At Academic Expeditions, we craft outdoor educational experiences that bring learning to life. Our nature-based programs inspire curiosity and growth, creating meaningful connections with the outdoors while fostering student independence. While we primarily partner with middle schools, our programs are tailor-made and can be customized for any grade level, ensuring that they fit your curriculum and group needs.

Why Choose Our Outdoor Ed Programs?

Our outdoor education programs take learning beyond the classroom, immersing students in hands-on experiences where they can see, smell, touch, and explore the world around them. By stepping into nature, students build confidence, learn leadership, and create lasting memories—all while strengthening bonds with their peers. These programs serve as the perfect foundation for personal growth and can help prepare students for future academic expeditions, such as American history trips. Teachers love using them to start their school year on the right foot, helping students and leadership groups get ahead of the new academic journey.

Tailor-Made for Your School

We believe that every learning experience should be as unique as your students. Whether you’re flying to iconic destinations like the Grand Canyon or embarking on an adventure closer to home, our programs can be adapted to almost any location with an outdoor space. From camp-based overnight programs to hotel stays, we ensure each experience is designed specifically for your school’s needs.

Recent Highlights: Our 2024 Outdoor Programs season kicked off with California 6th graders spending two unforgettable days on the trails of Santa Rosa. Students splashed through puddles, explored streams, and marveled at double rainbows while navigating various weather conditions—rain, hail, sunshine, with an evening campfire to cap it off. The magic of the outdoors truly came to life, with the students (and staff) asking for s’more!

What to Expect

We design our programs with a focus on leadership, natural history, and science, integrating community-building activities throughout. Here’s a snapshot of what your students can experience:

• Custom programs designed specifically for your students
• Led by professional experiential educators
• Backcountry adventure & outdoor skills
• Team-building and cooperative challenges
• Hiking and forest studies
• Delicious camp food & s’mores around the fire

Sample Adventures Include

• Exploring California’s coastline and scaling the heights of the Sierra Nevada
• Walking among the giant Sequoias in Kings Canyon National Park
• Learning about agriculture and visiting local farms
• Hiking to breathtaking spots like Rainbow Falls and the Devil’s Post Pile National Monument
• Studying WWII history at the Manzanar Internment Camp
• Kayaking and coastal studies along the California Coast
• Visiting California’s historic Spanish missions, established in the 18th century

Aligned with Your Curriculum

Our outdoor programs are designed to complement your curriculum, whether it’s science, geology, biology, or community and cultural development. They’re the perfect way to ignite curiosity, build community, and prepare your students for the next stage in their academic journey.

Ready to Create a Unique Experience for Your Students?

Explore the natural world with confidence and ease, knowing that we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Contact us today to craft a personalized program that’s aligned with your school’s goals. Let’s transform education together!