Frequently Asked Questions

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This page is available for teacher's to peruse the answers to questions they may receive from parents, and for parents to find the answers to commonly wondered things about Outdoor School week!
 
What should my child bring/pack?
Great question!  We, like you, want to make sure that your child has everything they need for a successful week at Outdoor Science School.  Click here to view a complete packing list.  In the event that your child does not have a winter jacket, snow boots, or a sleeping bag, we have these items available to borrow.
 
How do I send mail to my child?
We recommend mailing letters the week before your student's trip to outdoor school.  Mail service to the mountains can take some days, so this ensures that the letter will arrive while your child is still here.  Click here for more information on mail, including how to address your envelope, what happens to late mail, and what not to send.
 
How close are you to emergency services?
One of the fantastic things about Wrightwood Outdoor Science School is that it is just down the street from the Wrightwood Fire Department.  Emergency services are less than 5 minutes away.
 
Will my child be safe?
Yes. Safety is our #1 priority at Outdoor Science School.  All Wrightwood Outdoor Science School staff have extensive experience leading trail groups as well as Wilderness First Aid and CPR certification, and emergency services are mere blocks away.
 
Can I visit the site?
If you would like to be a part of Outdoor Science School week, please come join us as a Cabin Leader!  If you are interested in being a cabin leader, contact your school teacher.  If you would like to come see the school before your child attends, contact Kathleen Mitchell at 760-249-4972.  However, we do not allow parents to visit the site during the week that their child is attending Outdoor School.  Our experience indicates that having parents visit often creates problems with homesickness.  Sometimes it is your own child that becomes homesick when you leave, but more often it is other students who see parents visiting and then wonder "Why didn't my mom or dad visit me?"  This often sends them on a downward spiral of homesickness and insecurity.  Please help us make it a successful week for everyone by not visiting your child at Outdoor Science School.  Don't worry -they will have so much to share with you on Friday!  
 
What are the bus departure and arrival times to and from school?
Please contact your school's teacher to inquire about bus departure and arrival times.
 
What is the cost?
Please contact the school's teacher to inquire about the cost of Outdoor School and what scholarships or fundraising opportunities may be available.
 
Can I talk to my child by phone during the week?  Or can my child phone me?
Your child is in great hands.  Los Angeles County Outdoor Science School has more than 50 years of experience running successful and inspiring week-long residential programs.  As part of our program, we encourage students to remain engaged and in-the-moment in order to get the most out of their 4 short days at Outdoor School.  Part of this engagement means that we do not allow cell phones or any electronics (other than cameras, of course!) during the week.  Similar to a site visit, a phone conversation can often send a student into a spiral of homesickness, which will lead to them missing out on many wonderful activities and experiences as they struggle with this homesickness.  It is also unfair for one child to call home if not every child can call home, and here at Outdoor School we have every day packed to the brim with engaging activities.  Please help us make the week successful for everyone by respecting our no-phone call rule at Outdoor School.
 
Can my child bring a cell phone?
We ask that students do not bring cell phones to Outdoor School.  If they do, they may be collected on Monday by classroom teachers and returned Friday.
 
Who are the Outdoor Science Teachers?
Would you like to know who will be teaching your child during Outdoor School week?  Click here to view our Staff Page

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