Field Studies Summer Adventures
The Sequoyah Field Studies summer experience is philosophically aligned with our school-year program and school mission: to challenge the mind, nurture the heart, and celebrate human dignity.
Our approach to outdoor education welcomes everyone, regardless of past experience or background, to join a group of peers in a common experience among breathtaking natural backdrops.
Success in the Sequoyah Field Studies program doesn’t necessarily mean students finish a trip saying they love the outdoors or backpacking. Instead, we use the outdoors is a medium for learning about ourselves, the other folks around us, and our natural world.
Our school Habits of Mind help guide that learning as we practice our teamwork, embracing productive challenge, and individual expression.
Choose Your Own Adventure!
Morro Bay Family Campout
Central Coast
Field Studies is a wonderful way to build community! This trip is only open to Sequoyah families and is geared towards our youngest students and their family—whatever that means to you (parents/guardians, siblings, grandparents, etc.).
We will drive up to Morro Bay on the Central Coast in Sequoyah School vans and spend a weekend enjoying one another’s company at a beautiful coastal group campsite. Along the way, we will take a casual hike along the bluff trails overlooking the ocean.
This is a larger group trip where we can welcome multiple members from each family.
Pimu Playground
Santa Catalina Island
Breathtaking coastal mountains, plentiful endemic species, and sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean are just a few reasons why Pimu (Catalina Island) is a destination people travel to from across the world. On this five day/four night trip, students will ride the ferry to Two Harbors and then spend the next three days on a “supported” backpack to Little Harbor. We will snorkel, kayak, and spend the nights beside a campfire at our beautiful beachfront campsites.
This trip is a perfect introduction to backpacking skills while also being relaxed and full of summery ocean play opportunities.
Mammoth Mountain Bike and Hike
Mammoth Lakes
Bikes, waterfalls, and alpine lakes! Travel to this world-renowned mountain town for a five day/four night basecamp adventure. Along the way, we will day hike past a chain of glacial lakes, further our biking skills on the paths surrounding Mammoth Mountain, and play lots of fun games in camp.
This basecamp trip will be an opportunity to spend time together, cook yummy camp meals, and relax in a beautiful mountain campsite.
Pimu Playground
Santa Catalina Island
Breathtaking coastal mountains, plentiful endemic species, and sweeping views across the Pacific Ocean are just a few reasons why Pimu (Catalina Island) is a destination people travel to from across the world. On this five day/four night trip, students will ride the ferry to Two Harbors and then spend the next three days on a “supported” backpack to Little Harbor. We will snorkel, kayak, and spend the nights beside a campfire at our beautiful beachfront campsites.
This trip is a perfect introduction to backpacking skills while also being relaxed and full of summery ocean play opportunities.
Mammoth Mountain Bike and Hike
Mammoth Lakes
Bikes, waterfalls, and alpine lakes! Travel to this world-renowned mountain town for a five day/four night basecamp adventure. Along the way, we will day hike past a chain of glacial lakes, further our biking skills on the paths surrounding Mammoth Mountain, and play lots of fun games in camp.
This basecamp trip will be an opportunity to spend time together, cook yummy camp meals, and relax in a beautiful mountain campsite.
Surf and Sand: Pacific Adventure
San Diego
Say farewell to summer break with a classic California beach-and-surf trip. We’ll head down to a coastal campground in northern San Diego County for a four-day ocean adventure. One of our days will be spent in the water, riding waves on surfboards. The other will be spent on the water as we explore Batiquitos Lagoon on packrafts. Throughout, we will learn about the history and importance of estuaries along the Pacific coastline.
There will also be plenty of time for enjoying each other’s company at camp, chilling at the beach, and watching colorful sunsets next to a campfire.
Sneak in one last trip before the school year kicks off again!
Sierra Traverse
High Sierra Nevada Mountains
This nine-day backcountry trip takes us through a rugged landscape of alpine lakes and granite tablelands, offering a challenging and rewarding experience for students looking to push themselves physically. It’s perfect for those seeking a more demanding adventure than our typical school year program.
Throughout the trip, we’ll focus on building technical backpacking skills, with the ultimate goal of attempting to summit a 14,000-foot mountain. Along the way, students will also develop leadership and followership skills, learning effective strategies for group decision-making in a high elevation environment. This trip is designed for students who are eager to take on a physically challenging experience while also strengthening their independence, resilience, and decision making abilities.
Which trip is right for me?
Refer to the grade your student will be entering in Fall 2024 when considering trip offerings.
Basecamp vs. Backpacking
Trips where we stay at campground that can be driven up to directly are basecamp trips. This format means we can bring more gear and don’t need to carry any heavy packs. Our basecamp trips include: Iwihinmu, Morro Bay, and San Diego.
A backpacking trip is when you carry all your clothing, gear, and food in a large overnight backpack. We generally move to different campsites each day. Depending on the mileage these can be more physically difficult trips. These include the Great Western Divide, Big Sur, Trans-Catalina Trail, and the High Sierras.
Experience and Ability
No prior experience is needed to participate. That being said, some of our trips do have more physical requirements than others. The Trans-Catalina Trail and High Sierras, in particular, are more physically challenging. Students who would like to try backpacking for the first time may find more success on theBig Sur or Great Western Divide trips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is prior experience needed?
Not at all. All our trips can be a “first time camping.” We ask that folks come open to trying new things. Some trips are more physically challenging and advanced preparation will be helpful.
What does the cost of a trip typically cover?
Tuition includes transportation from Pasadena, group gear, applicable land use permits, logistics and staffing support, and superb outdoor educators and faculty leaders.
What's not included in the trip fee?
Any travel required to get to and from Pasadena, personal trip insurance (health and travel), personal gear and clothing (see below).
What personal gear and clothing do I need?
You will receive a gear list specific to the trip after being enrolled. We have a robust inventory of outdoor gear to loan out free of charge. Prior to leaving on backcountry trips we will review personal gear to make sure it is the appropriate choice.
Can I bring a phone? Smart watch? eReader?
Field Studies is about being present in the outdoors and with one another. With that in mind, we are a phone and “smart” device-free program which means leaving those types of technology at home. Simple eReaders and digital cameras are welcome.
Will I have enough to eat? How do you accomodate diets?
Food is a basic need and we do our best to ensure there is enough of it. Being well fed allows us to challenge ourselves in other ways to grow as individuals. Our “opt in” format menu accommodates common diets and allergens. If you have specific food needs, please let us know after being enrolled.