Sample Day

“NatureBridge gives students the opportunity to test their limits in a safe, educational setting while having the opportunity to experience the beauty and wonder of Yosemite.” — Melinda Waller, principal, Allen at Steinbeck School

One of the best ways to get a sense of a student’s NatureBridge experience is to check out our daily schedule. Below is a rough sketch of a typical day for a field science participant.

6:30 a.m. - 7:15 a.m. Wake up  

Students rise each morning and walk out of their cabins into one of the most stunning natural environments on the continent. They will use this time to shower, dress, and prepare for their day.

7:15 a.m. - 8 a.m. Breakfast

While staying in Yosemite Valley, participants are served breakfast in the Curry Village Dining Pavilion. Meals in the Dining Pavilion are served buffet-style with numerous options to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters! For groups staying at Crane Flat, participants are served breakfast in the Crane Flat dining hall. Meals at Crane Flat are served family style and education on food and natural resources are integrated into meals in fun and engaging ways.

8:30 or 9 a.m. Morning meeting

Teachers can opt to begin their day of hiking and learning at either 8:30 a.m. or 9 a.m. At this time, students, teachers, and chaperones meet their NatureBridge field educator in the cabin area prepared for the instructional day. 

8:30/9 a.m. - 4 p.m.  Instructional day

During the instructional day, your school splits into trail groups that average 12 students per group plus one or two teachers and chaperones. The NatureBridge field educator assigned to your trail group will work with the same group every day. The educators provide the activities and curriculum, chaperones assist in group management and with the behavioral needs of individual students. Lunch is typically eaten out on the trail. Each day’s learning adventures are customized to meet the academic and social goals your school has set. Some examples of popular instructional days:

• Hiking in Yosemite Valley while learning about the geological processes that formed the Sierra Nevada mountain range and Yosemite Valley.
• Snowshoeing or cross country skiing in High Sierra meadows while learning about the winter adaptations of the plants and animals that live there.
• Completing team-building challenges and exploring lessons on leadership while hiking to the top of one of Yosemite Valley’s waterfalls. 
• Hiking in a giant sequoia forest while learning about the unique ecological interconnections that support these ancient and rare trees.

There are limitless opportunities for learning and exploration in Yosemite, so we encourage schools to consider attending for a full five-day program whenever possible! 

4 p.m. - 6 p.m. Recreation time and the NatureBridge store

Students can use this time to shower and change, work on journals, or play outside. A school may also use this time for structured learning activities. Teachers and chaperones supervise during recreation time. The NatureBridge store in Yosemite Valley is open from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Monday - Thursday in the Boystown lodging area. Students can purchase t-shirts, hoodies, baseball caps,  beanies, or Klean Kanteen water bottles. All proceeds benefit the NatureBridge scholarship fund!

5 p.m. - 6 p.m. Dinner

In Yosemite Valley, dinner is served at the Curry Village Dining Pavilion buffet. At Crane Flat, dinner is served family style in the Crane Flat dining hall. The food we serve is nutritious, plentiful and kid-friendly. Meals such as pasta with marinara sauce, burrito bar, meat and vegetarian chili, and the ever-popular pizza frequently appear on our menu.

7:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. Evening program

Evening programs complement the material being presented during your field day. These large-group programs are engaging, educational, and inspiring. Students may engage in a town-hall style debate about the Hetch Hetchy Dam, learn about the history of art in Yosemite, take a night hike, or see a presentation about black bears.

9 p.m. - 10 p.m. Off to bed

This is the time for students to use bathrooms, change clothes, and brush their teeth. Teachers and chaperones supervise students during this time. The NatureBridge field safety officer is available to assist chaperones with any issues that arise. Lights out is at 10 p.m. 

Seasonal opportunities

	June through October June through October is the season for the high country. Bus trips to visit these spectacular destinations can be arranged in the warmer months.
	May through September​ May through September is the time for the ultimate wilderness adventure: backpacking in Yosemite National Park. We have limited space to accommodate groups interested in backpacking during the warmer months.
	January through March January through March is cross-country ski and showshoe season. You can make arrangements to ski or snowshoe while staying at our Crane Flat campus or by making a trip to Yosemite’s historic Badger Pass ski area.

Each day is a new learning adventure!

Yosemite National Park offers infinite destinations and learning opportunities. The more days your group spends with NatureBridge, the deeper the students will connect with Yosemite, with each other, and with themselves.