Naturalists at Large

Naturalists at Large offers one-day programs, day-long field trips, and weeklong overnight trips, and it also plans and hosts evening activities. The organization provides naturalists, sites, group kitchen gear, food, tents, and instructional supplies, and students at Outdoor Learning Centers set up the provided tents, eat wholesome meals and healthy snacks, and do KP duty for at least one meal and wash their own dishes.

Programs

• Naturalists at Large programs — One-day programs to weeklong overnight trips
• Outdoor Learning Center — Tent-based accommodations; students set up tents provided, with wholesome meals, healthy snacks, KP duty for at least one meal, and responsibility for washing their own dishes.
• Lodge-based — Lodge-based program sites with home-cooked meals, comfortable beds and hot showers; Naturalists at Large arranges accommodations and assists in assigning students to cabins.
• Field trips — Day-long experiences · Day-long experiences that can be mixed and matched to explore areas closer to home while students stay in their own bed at night.
• Camp Marcil at Round Meadow — Lodge-based site in the San Bernardino Mountains with cabin dormitories, heated cabins, and access to nearby trails.
• Camp Gilmore / Camp Lawrence Daley — Lodge-based site in the Santa Monica Mountains with dorm style cabins, central bathrooms, dining hall, pool, ropes course, and trail system.

At a glance

• General schedule: Schools choose from one-day programs to weeklong overnight trips. Naturalists at Large also plans and hosts evening activities.

About the provider

Naturalists at Large has operated since 1985. It is a California outdoor and environmental education group that teaches people of all ages the skills to be at ease in the outdoors and to better understand Western ecosystems, including mountains, deserts, and seashores. It has provided outdoor education programs for tens of thousands of students from over two hundred schools.

Custom client designed trips with flexible dates and locations. One adult chaperone is assigned by the school to assist instructors in each trail group. Staffing ratio is 12-14:1 plus one faculty member or school chaperon. Whenever a Naturalist is with a trail group, a teacher/chaperon must be present as well.

What families say

“I was very impressed with the trip this year. I wanted to convey my admiration for the job Michelle and your crew did. I had an amazing time and the kids were part of an amazing experience that they will treasure forever. Thank you.” — George Director of Student Activities, The Buckley School

“The NAL staff last week was awesome. Every one of your folks were engaged, professional, energetic, prepared, and great to our kids. I know that does not just happen because you are 'lucky' enough to hire great people. You do find fine people, but you also train them, guide them, and 'get them' to be the fine educators that they are. Thank you!” — Jeff Teacher, Brentwood School

“I want to let you know how impressed I am, once again, with the professionalism of the people with whom we work at NAL. Many thanks to all.” — Peter Head of School, Rolling Hills Prep

Last updated October 13, 2026.