outdoorscience.com

What It Is

Mount Hermon Outdoor Science Programs is a school-based outdoor science camp program located in Felton / the Santa Cruz Mountains, California, USA. The camp is set in the redwood forest environment of Redwood Camp. The page presents three types of programs: Outdoor Science School for public schools, a Christian-and-science integrated curriculum for private Christian schools, and one-day Day Field Trips. Its core offering is not online coursework, but immersive science learning and team experiences organized by schools in natural settings.

Core Curriculum and Format

The curriculum focuses on scientific inquiry for 5th and 6th graders and states that its design aligns with the Next Generation Science Standards. The teaching approach emphasizes Naturalist-led instruction, relational teaching, critical thinking, communicating evidence, and experiential learning. Students receive a Field Guide, and activities take place in settings such as streams, redwood forests, sand dunes, swimming pool activities, and adventure activities. The page also mentions a focus on Stewardship, Character, Wonder of Nature, and Science Literacy, indicating that its goals extend beyond scientific knowledge to include character development and responsibility toward nature.

Pricing

Pricing is disclosed fairly clearly. The regular season runs from September to December and February to May: $390 per student for 5 days and $345 per student for 4 days. The off-season is January: $320 per student for 5 days and $305 per student for 4 days. Teachers and cabin leaders are free within a certain ratio, but the exact ratio is not provided in the main text. Payment methods, deposits, and cancellation or change policies are not disclosed.

Pros and Cons

The advantages are its distinctive natural environment, with a redwood forest camp well suited to authentic outdoor science observation; clearly defined target grade levels; alignment with NGSS; relatively transparent pricing; and teacher testimonials on the website suggesting that the staff are proactive and supportive, with well-organized programming. The drawbacks are that the information is still incomplete—for example, specific staff qualifications, safety management, lodging and meals, medical support, and certificates or accreditations are not explained. The program also depends heavily on in-person attendance, making it unsuitable for individual self-study or remote users. In addition, the worldview integration in the private Christian school program may not be appropriate for all schools.

Who It’s For and Access from China

It is better suited to U.S.-based schools, especially those in or near California, organizing 5th/6th grade nature science camps, study trips, or one-day field excursions. For users in China looking for online science courses, certificate-granting programs, or Chinese-language instruction, this program is not a good match. Access to the website from mainland China cannot be determined from the page content, so it is marked as unknown.