Testimonials
Student Testimonials
'I give Outdoor School a 100 out of 100! It rocks! I had so much fun! It was really devastating to leave that place! My friends and I would almost do anything to return!' - Yvonne
'Those four days were some of the most fun I have ever had. Everything there was great, including the food. All of the activities were well planned out and extremely fun. One of the coolest parts about it was that everyone was nice to each other. The most rewarding activity was the 9 Mile Hike. When we made it to the top the view was better than anyone had said and I felt a huge surge of pride. When we made it back down everyone was cheering for us which made everyone feel much better. Outdoor School was too extraordinary to even describe. I will miss it very much.' - Matthew
'I, and the rest of of my school, has so much fun going on all the different hikes and special activities - even eating in the cafeteria was fun! I have never gone to a camp like that, and by far, it must have been the best camps I've been to.' - Laura
'Thank you for all the good experiences that I had over the hikes and all of the other things. The beds were good but what I liked most was meeting new people from different schools.' - Guadalupe
"I wish we had 2 weeks instead of one week because it's really fun. I thought I was going to get home sick but with all the fun activities I was fine."
'Thank you for creating the wonderful environment for me at The Outdoor School. The environment that you've created is very welcoming and happy.' - Roger
'The last few days were probably the best days of my life! Now I know why whenever the other 6th graders went to Outdoor School they always came back with smiles on their faces looking like they had just taken a side trip to paradise. It was because that was what it felt like there! Now I know so much more that I had before about nature. I also know more about my Indian culture and feel more connected to my ancient ancestors all because of you guys, the people that took the time out to just teach us more about how to appreciate all living creatures and all of the living things that surround us!' - Alisha
Parents
"All of the hikes were obviously different but each
and every Naturalist made it fun, interesting, and
educational with their own spin. I loved the way they
played games to learn names and educate all of us!
These people are amazing! I've never been around a
group of adults that treat children so respectfully,
in turn teaching them respect (for themselves and
others). Also, they truely seem to enjoy their jobs
and the children. I think the children see this too
and this adds to the mutual respect." - Georgette
Owens.
"This was an amazing opportunity that instructed as well as inspired. It was great to watch the childrens' self-confidence grow. Also great to see their compassion for classmates who were struggling - especially on the night hike. I wish every 6th grade student could experience Outdoor School and that every parent could get a peek at the wonderful things that take place." - Karen Nicholas.
"Loved it - both of us. I would do it again in a minute. The kids were great, and it proved to be a life-changing experience for me as well. I did not truely grasp the personal change until the drive home. XXOO to all of you!" - Deborah Roderick-Herder.
"It is important for me that you know what an amazing gift you all have - to reach out and make a difference! Know that what you do for these children and for me was extremely uplifting. My soul feels lighter... I watched children being children (not an easy thing to see these days). I watched them eagerly learn, ask questions, be amazed by what they were seeing, touching, and hearing. I was able to stand back and look at my own daughter and see her in a constant state of joy and be truely proud. Thank you so much for everything! I will work very hard to keep these feelings with me, always..." - Arlene.
Teachers
"You and your staff did another fantastic job! The students are still talking about their incredible experiences, hikes, and new friends. Following our return, we asked our students what their "favorites" were. In the past, a few naturalists, hikes, meals, and activities stood out; however, this year the 'favorites' were across the board. This feedback tells me that the entire program is rock solid. Thank you for providing a program that meets the academic needs, social needs, accomodation needs, and above all, meets the "fun factor" needs. In addition, the four of us teachers from Los Ranchos had a blast!" - J. Chris Becker - 6th Grade Teacher, Los Ranchos Elementary School, San Luis Obispo.
"This is always the highlight of the year for the students. I think it is a sense of fun, excitement, and (most important) community! They are part of a group of people working together to accomplish a goal. They witness outstanding positive role models, and for a lot of kids it sets them on the right path towards success in life!" - Liz Zimmerman - 6th Grade Teacher, Pine Grove Elementary School, Orcutt.
"One of the things I most noticed was the way my students positively interacted with classmates from Mesa that they don't generally associate with. The 'cliques' disappeared on hikes and activities, and I saw a comraderie that warmed my heart. Once again, I leave The Outdoor School with a better attitude and renewed sense of purpose. This annual experience is a 'balm to the soul,' and I can't thank you enough for the way you've touched my life and the lives of my students. I deeply appreciate all of your hard work in making everything run so smoothly here at The Outdoor School." - Matt Demaria - 6th Grade Teacher, Mesa Union School, Somis.
"Every year we come you make little, but significant changes and/or additions which make the already awesome Outdoor School experience better and better. Your staff is once again outstanding. You continue to get such intelligent, enthusiastic Naturalists who have both exemplary teaching skills and comfortable rapport with adolescents. You do an admirable job of organization and administration; it is a very well run operation. Plus, you're so warm and friendly to both students and teachers. What you do at The Outdoor School is a life-changing experience for the children. It's especially heart-warming to us to watch those students who aren't necessarily stellar students in our classrooms blossom in your outdoor one. Thank you for all that you do." - Susie West - 6th Grade Teacher, May Grisham Elementary School, Orcutt.
Cabin Leader Testimonials
'As a student getting ready to take on the college life and move out for my first time being at science camp probably is what has prepared me the most. Having to rely upon myself and having 13 girls rely upon me really kicked me into gear. What you all do is not only an awesome chance for the kids to learn, but also for the cabin leaders to learn the true meaning of responsibility.' - Amber 'Dandelion' Luallen - cabin leader from Righetti HS
'At Outdoor School, I have had the time of my life and have been quite depressed every time I have had to depart. The experience of learning and teaching in such an exciting and natural environment is one that should be experienced by everyone.' - Steven 'Orion' Gantenbien - cabin leader from Simi Valley HS
'The time that I spent there changed me. It was the greatest experience of my life. I learned so much from the students I can't even tell you. They showed me so much about myself. The day we had to leave was honestly the worst day of my life! Leaving Outdoor School and saying good-bye to the kids broke my heart. Being a cabin leader is my all time favorite experience in my whole high school career.' - Elyse 'Sunshine' Stelford - cabin leader from Simi Valley High School
'There is a place where I can be myself. There is a place where I have the time of my life. There is a place that is full of adventures and they are endless. There is a place where I want to be this summer called Woodland Discovery Camp.' - Katie 'Shamoo' Wittke - cabin leader in training at Woodland Discovery Camp.