San Joaquin Outdoor School, informally known as "Science Camp" , is a week-long residential outdoor education program reaching approximately 4500 fifth and sixth graders and 600 high school cabin leaders each year since 1957. Here on the California coast, students spend five days and four nights exploring the natural world and learning about the spectacular redwood forest and coastal ecosystems.

During the week, groups of students are are supervised in their cabins by high school volunteers called cabin leaders, and are led on hikes and other activities by our Naturalists. SJOE Naturalists teach about the land, sea and air through the following eight ecological themes: Adaptations, Change, Diversity, Communities, Ecosystem, Cycles, and Interdependence. All of our activities and programs are focused on meeting the Next Generation Science Standards for 5th and 6th grade. While here, students participate in a number of activities and lessons. Daily activities include Forest Hikes and Beach Day, while our evening programs include Music Social, Sea Lab, Night Hike, and Performing Arts Campfire. Please view our Week's Schedule for a better idea of the program flow.

Our Goals
1) Student develop their knowledge of scientific concepts, ecological relationships, and significant environmental issues.

2) Increased student skills in methods of acquiring information and solving problems, including applying creative and critical thinking processes.

3) Students gain appreciation for and a sense of responsibility for the earth’s natural resources.

4) Students gain in feelings of self worth and capabilities.

5) Responsible social participation in the cabin and camp community, incorporating and creating group understanding and respect.