I once knew and had visited this establishment as the Regional Learning Center while a part of the…read moreFresno Unified School District. Before that it was known as the Five Mile Job Corp, and now we know it as Sierra Outdoor School. (Please read the SOS history here: https://sos.cusd.com/History.aspx ) I am happy to report that every time I have been here, (once in as a student back in 1992,) and twice as a chaperone (2016 and 2022), that they continue to uphold excellence science and ecological education.
I don't speak for all children, who I have found will roll their eyes to the idea of conserving our world, to students who find traversing hills to learn more about nature as an arduously unnecessary task, that this school is truly a great experience. The Naturalists who teach here are patient, kind, knowledgeable, and inclusive of the every one of the children's differences. They are a forward thinking lot who continuously reflect on our past successes to better contribute to our future. From the life lessons we can learn from Teddy Roosevelt to the deeply rooted connections to nature by the Iroquois and Apache.
Our students covered the 2 night camping trip both times and had a slightly different itinerary. (But I've come to learn that some schools are offered 5-day camping experiences to get the entirety of what SOS has to offer.) Classes experienced were as follows:
High Ropes: Climb 32 ft while triple suspended and belayed to one of two courses, the Burma Bridge (crossing a wire bridge w/wire hand holds), and the Catwalk (a telephone pole laid horizontally), and cross towards the main zip line podium. The kids were able to experience this at their own preferred levels. A fee kids remained in their comfort zone by zip lining with no hesitation while others would get a strapped in, climb a peg or two, and head back to solid ground. Badger was the main Naturalist for the High Ropes adventure and he was here doing great things with the kids over 6 years ago!
Silent Mile: during the first mile and half, we experienced various stopping and learning points in regards to ecology, biotic and abiotic, biome, classifying animals by what they eat, etc. Later on we were able to experience the Silent Mile where each child was separated, 20 seconds at a time, walking and taking in their experiences and the cards placed by the Naturalist, Sequoia, to reflect upon. Chaperones and teachers were inserted every 3-4 students to ensure safety. We followed that up with an experience called Heart Attack Hill. You can traverse it however you would like, but the one we went on was a longer but easier version of the steeper/shorter one that I remembered running 6 years ago. Lastly, the kids were given magnifying glasses and instructions to examine the world around them.
Wilderness Survival: We had Foster (Slime Mold) guide us through understanding how better to be prepared in our environment. From a fun compass usage exercise, to building our own shelter in the elements.
Night Hike: Shirley (Tiger Lily) was our naturalist for this learning experience. We were able to enjoy a beautifully lit sky once camp had turned off the light pollution. She also taught us about our eyes, red light use, and how important they are to each and every living creature.
Roaring Relays: Wide varying challenges across a gym room floor.
Campardy: Large groups of kids take turns competing against each other to answer questions about what they've learned so far.
Previously we had done Owl Pellet Dissection, arrowhead carving, and Dull Axe Excavation of tree bark and within soil. Some things had changed, but the interactive fun doesn't stop.
