During a twelve-week period every Spring and a six-week period every Fall, students in 4th through 8th grades attend the program, which lasts four or five days. Each year, more than 1,000 kids attend ROSS from schools all over Northern California. They stay in cabins on-site and study in small field groups of 12 or less, each group under the guidance of an MWCA naturalist.

Environmental Education Director Jeanne Coleman carefully selects a well-educated staff of ten or so naturalists from universities and outdoor education centers around the country. Prior to the arrival of the school groups, these naturalists also undergo intensive training in the ROSS format.

By the week’s end, the students’ positive communication and problem-solving skills have been strengthened, as well as an appreciation and respect for nature fostered.

Discovery-based Curriculum
ROSS explores a new natural community each day. Field groups enjoy hands-on activities investigating the redwood forest, fresh water stream, rocky shore tide pools and estuary. The concepts of habitat, adaptation, energy flow, nutrient cycling and interdependence are highlighted and reinforced in each ecosystem.

Community Building
ROSS functions as a small community where each and every person is a valued member. All activities—learning groups, recreation time and meals—are structured to encourage cooperation. A 10-element Challenge Course poses a series of physical problems students must solve together as a team.

Cost
The Residential Outdoor Science School is subsidized and supported by MWCA, which is dedicated to bringing environmental education to students at an affordable cost. The low tuition covers healthy meals, lodging, instruction and transportation for the coast field trip. Some scholarship assistance is available.

Contact Jeanne Coleman for more information.

You can also check our Employment Opportunities page for positions available for this program.