Outdoor & Environmental Education

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The Outdoor and Environmental Education (OEE) Program offers an immersive science experience for Los Angeles Unified School District students by providing hands-on, outdoor learning that supports classroom instruction. Students from 4th to 12th grade have opportunities to engage in overnight outdoor learning at Clear Creek, Point Fermin, and Canyon Creek Outdoor Education Centers (OEC). Single-day field study programs are offered through the Day of Discovery (DoD) program for K-12 students.

To watch our Outdoor and Environmental Education Program informational video, click on the tile below.

Clear Creek OEC

Students participate in a five-day, four-night, fun-filled science camp experience in the Angeles National Forest, where nature provides multi-dimensional and multi-sensory learning opportunities.

Point Fermin OEC

Located atop the hills of the San Pedro Peninsula, with views of Catalina Island and the Pacific Ocean, the camp offers students the opportunity to practice scientific and engineering protocols while observing and collecting evidence of climate change in our local coastal ecosystem.

Canyon Creek OEC – COMING SOON!

The newest LAUSD campsite will focus on Space and Engineering. The surrounding mountains, lake, and stream provide the perfect platform for exploration, scientific inquiry, and engagement in the engineering design process.

Day of Discovery

Much more than a tour, Day of Discovery provides field study opportunities in outdoor spaces and sites. Partner venues such as the USS Iowa, Cabrillo Aquarium, Heal the Bay Aquarium, Friends of the L.A. River, the Marine Mammal Center, and the Los Angeles Zoo welcome TK-12 students to explore, learn, and immerse themselves in the scientific inquiry process.

Skyhook Eco Vans

Four fully equipped vans bring outdoor learning to schools. Led by Naturalists, activities and lessons provide experiential learning opportunities outside the classroom. Each van focuses on one of the four Earth systems: hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, and biosphere.

PROGRAM LEAD

Gerardo “Gerry” Salazar serves as the Outdoor and Environmental Education Coordinator for Beyond the Bell. He has previously worked as a classroom teacher (K-6), adult school teacher, and human relations advisor. Since 2009, Gerry has been the Outdoor Education Coordinator and remains committed to providing all students with opportunities to engage in and experience the outdoors.

STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT

Outdoor and Environmental Education supports Academic Excellence and Joy and Wellness in the following ways:

Pillar 1: Academic Excellence – 1B Enriching Experiences 

• Provides opportunities to engage with the natural world in authentic and meaningful ways, offering context for science content.
• Integrates hands-on outdoor activities with social-emotional learning.
• Incorporates Next Generation Science and English Language Arts standards into activities that leverage outdoor learning.
• Fosters a long-term affinity for the outdoors and an active lifestyle.
• Engages students of varying fitness levels, ages, and genders.
• Supports the development of positive communication skills, cooperation, and social relationships.

Pillar 2: Joy and Wellness – 2A Welcoming Learning Environments

• Promotes teamwork and cooperation among peers through group activities, discussions, and challenges.
• Empowers students to learn more about their natural environment, how it works, and how it can be managed or protected.
• Encourages understanding and appreciation of different viewpoints by presenting various perspectives and competing arguments about climate, with the goal of enhancing environmental awareness.
• Empowers students to advocate for healthy natural environments and green spaces.
• Promotes norms of collaboration, cooperation, and consensus-building through team-based projects and group experiences.

EVENTS

The Outdoor and Environmental Education Program supports and participates in the following events throughout the year:

• LA Family Night at the Cabrillo Aquarium
• Arts Fest 
• Earth Day

OUR TEAM

Gerardo Salazar, Coordinator

Mark Gardina, Clear Creek Outdoor Education Center Manager

Judi Duran, Point Fermin Outdoor Education Center Manager

Alexandra Van Horn, Canyon Creek Outdoor Education Center Manager

Alyssa Aguila, Out-of-School Program Coordinator – Overnight camp experiences

Juan Lopez, Out-of-School Program Coordinator – Day of Discovery

Prisca Jarf – Sr. Office Technician