Thank you for your interest in Exploring New Horizons Outdoor Schools at Sempervirens. Exploring New Horizons is a private non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that conducts residential outdoor education at two facilities, Pigeon Point Lighthouse and Sempervirens in Scotts Valley. In both programs, teaching is conducted outside and centers around exploration and appreciation of the natural world.

Program Description

Exploring New Horizons at Sempervirens offers 4- and 5-day programs in which students hike in the redwood forest, discover what’s living in the tidepools, and explore bean creek and our site in Scottts Valley, CA. The site offers over 3 miles of trails in the redwood forest, Bean Creek, a low ropes course, open meadows, sandhills, and may include a field trip to Natural Bridges State Park in Santa Cruz.

Throughout their week, fifth and sixth grade students turn over logs in search of salamanders, study astronomy on a night hike, and learn how they are connected to a watershed while naturalists weave science, art, and music into their hikes and lessons..

Cabin Leaders

Sempervirens uses parent chaperones or high school cabin leaders. Teachers recruit either parents or high school students as cabin leaders who meet at the school and ride up to outdoor school with the school.

A Week at Sempervirens

Teachers are responsible for one hour of teacher time on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. They are also in charge of leading recreation time and awarding the coveted golden dustpan Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings after breakfast. For the rest of the week, teachers may participate in all other aspects of the program as they please. All hikes are led by naturalists. Medicines are distributed by our medic and program director.

Cost

The cost of the program varies annually. Please call to find out the fee for this year’s program. Program fee is charged per student (teachers are free and cabin leaders are at a discounted price). The fee includes instruction by trained naturalists, busing to and from the beach (5-day program only), housing, and all meals except for the first lunch, which students bring.

Merchandise (T-shirts, hoodies, and hats) is available for purchase HERE.

Please call (831) 252-7868 or email daniel@exploringnewhorizons.org to request an estimate.

Downloads

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