School & Group Environmental Science

Morning: Gather in the historic dining hall for breakfast, pack backpacks and prepare for a day in the forest.

Instructional Day: Spend the day in small learning groups led by a professional NatureBridge educator. Students engage in collaborative, authentic scientific learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. These experiences are designed to support curriculum standards and students’ social and emotional development.

Sample Activities

• Conduct a reptile and amphibian study. Observe salamanders, turtles and frogs in their natural habitats.
• Explore a nearby creek and participate in a stream bio-monitoring project while learning about watersheds and water use.
• Investigate the physical processes that affect the landscape and the forest ecosystem. Topics include erosion, weathering, rock types and soil composition.
• Learn about nocturnal animals and astronomy on a night hike.

Afternoon/Early Evening: Return to campus to relax or play in the ball field while school chaperones supervise. Dinner in the dining hall gives everyone a chance to share their trail stories.

Evening: NatureBridge educators will facilitate evening programs chosen by the school’s Group Coordinator. Options include an evening hike, nature art, herpetology and a closing campfire (s’mores may be provided by the school). Students then return to the cabins and get ready for bed.

Life Science & Ecology: Learn about the diversity of life in the Piedmont Forest by investigating the wide range of flora and fauna that live in terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Watershed Studies: Explore Quantico Creek and its tributaries while learning more about the Chesapeake Bay watershed, the water cycle, stream hydrology and riparian ecology.

NatureBridge environmental science educators bring our programs to life. Our skilled and passionate educators provide inclusive and culturally responsive programming that challenges students to step out of their comfort zones and connect to themselves and one another. Our staff have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work and training experience, cleared background checks and are certified to manage risk in the field. 

The energy and passion our educators have for engaging with youth and the natural world is a vital element of our success.

Connect to SCIENCE + NATURE + SELF AND OTHERS: Students experience personal growth, build interpersonal skills, gain science knowledge, strengthen critical thinking skills and learn to act as environmental stewards. NatureBridge strives to create an impactful and lasting educational program for every student.