YOUR OUTDOOR CLASSROOM!
Programs are offered through the San Bernardino National Forest Association, at both the Children's Forest and the Big Bear Discovery Center. Meeting California State standards, all programs fulfill the mission of teaching youth about the forest, ecological principles, and stewardship. Programs are ideal for both local schools and those from surrounding cities. Please call for more details and program reservations.

BORN TO BURN
This lesson explains the importance if fire and its vital role in the ecosystems that make up the San Bernardino National Forest. Concepts include the components of fire, valuable attributes of fire, and how to protect against harmful wildfire. Students will also learn about general ecological principles, forest health, stewardship, and environmental responsibility.
Grades: 3rd - 8th
Length: 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum

WINTER SNOWSHOE TOUR
While exploring the forest on snowshoes, students will discover how plants, humans, and animals adapt to the winter environment through demonstrations, observation and independent discovery. Students will learn the stages of the water cycle, ascertain the definition of a watershed and discover firsthand the effects of weathering and erosion.
Grades 4th -12th
Length: 3 Hours
Students: 30 Maximum

INVESTIGATING ECOSYSTEMS
Students in this program learn about the complexity of the environment through the study of interactions - food chains, habitat components, climate, and adaptations. Students will study the wildlife found in the San Bernardino National Forest through observation and discussion of adaptations, tracks, signs, and more. Students will understand habitat components and how forest management contributes to the overall health and well-being of wildlife species.
Grades: K-12th
Length: 1 - 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum

JUNIOR FOREST RANGER
Learn to be a Forest Ranger! Students will join Naturalists in a series of activities that teach about map reading, orienteering fire ecology, and improving observation skills. Throughout the program, students will complete the USDA Forest Service Junior Forest Ranger workbook to reinforce concepts learned. Upon completion, students will receive a badge certifying the student as a Junior Forest Ranger and web-based continuing education.
Grades: 3rd - 6th
Length: 3 hours
Students: 60 Maximum

ON THE RIGHT TRAIL
Lessons revolve around activities with which students may be familiar: hiking, horseback riding, off-highway vehicle use, and more. This curriculum was developed in conjunction with Tread Lightly! and the National Off-Highway Vehicle Conservation Council. This program teaches land ethics, stewardship, safety and environmental awareness and can be taught in full or segmented into desired chapters. No fee charged for this program.
Can be conducted in the field or classroom.
Grades: 3rd - 7th
Length: 1 hour per chapter, up to 9 chapters total
Students: 30 Maximum

PATHWAYS TO STEWARDSHIP
This program will provide students with an opportunity to discover the wonders of their environment. Through investigations at Children's Forest, youth will gain appreciation and stewardship for the world around them, as well as fundamental ecological principles. This program focuses heavily on how students' lives connect to the forest through the multiple uses available to them, including how the forest provides products that are used in everyday life. Includes a 2-part tour, a fall or spring hike, and a winter ecology lesson on snowshoes (weather-dependent).
Grades: 6th
Length: Two 3-hour tours
Students: 30 Maximum

INFORMATION

FEES:
3 hours: $200 for every 30 students; Additional Students $7 each
2 hours: $150 for every 30 students; Additional Students $5 each
1 hour: $75 for every 30 students; Additional Students $2.50 each

DATES: Field trips are offered five days a week, year round. Please call a month in advance for reservations.

LOGISTICS: Teachers must ensure that participants are prepared for the trip and arrange transportation and chaperones.

INFORMATION FOLDER: All registered groups will receive a complete information folder, which includes maps, a list of recommended clothing and preparation guidelines.

WEATHER AND CANCELLATIONS: Groups may reschedule trips due to bad weather. Cancellations must be made 24 hours in advance. Cancellations due to weather will be rescheduled at no extra fee. Other cancellations less than 24 hours in advance will result in full charge.

PAYMENT: Invoice will be sent in information folder once reservation is confirmed. Payment needs to be received two weeks before program date.

For details and reservations, please contact:
Alison Bates
SBNFA Education Manager
PO Box 66
Fawnskin, CA 92333
(909) 382-2777

The San Bernardino National Forest Association is a nonprofit organization
in partnership with the U.S.D.A. Forest Service.