Sempervirens Program Overview

Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Schools at Sempervirens takes a hands-on, experiential approach to science education, and focuses on adventure, self-discovery, and environmental stewardship. Students explore the coastal ecosystems, the Oak, Madrone, and Redwood Forest, and each evening activity finishes with songs and stories around the campfire.

The curriculum, aligned with NGSS and Common Core standards, focuses on three strands:

• Nature Appreciation and Understanding
• Cooperation and Teamwork
• Citizenship and Empowerment

These themes are taught through a variety of activities and lessons.

Daytime activities include:

• Exploring the tidepool, and coastal ecosystems at Natural Bridges State Beach
• Hikes and lessons in both redwood and a mixed Tan Oak/Madrone/Douglas fir forest
• Singing songs about decomposition, adaptations, and the food chain

Night time activities include:

• Town Hall Meeting, in which students debate and vote on a development issue
• The Barnyard Boogie, where students learn dances with our live band!
• The Night Hike, in which students go for a hike at night and learn about astronomy
• Skit Night, where students perform skits about the endangered species their cabin is named after
• Each evening ends with a campfire where naturalist sing songs and tell stories