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!
Family Campout
Big Bear
Field Studies is a wonderful way to build community! This trip is only open to Sequoyah families enrolled in the 2026-2027 school year 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 Big Bear in Sequoyah School vans and spend a weekend enjoying one another’s company at a beautiful mountain group campsite. Along the way, we will take a casual hike and spend time at Big Bear Lake.
This is a larger group trip where we can welcome multiple members from each family.
Student Backpacking
Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Backpack trip invites students in grades 6–8 to explore one of the country’s most iconic national parks. Over six days, participants will hike scenic trails, camp in the backcountry, and develop skills in navigation, outdoor problem solving, and teamwork. The majority of the trip will be backcountry travel, with a day trip to the iconic Yosemite Valley at the end of the trip.
This year, we’re inviting one parent/guardian to join each student on this adventure if they would like. A separate registration is required for each participant (student and parent/guardian). Students are not required to have a parent/guardian to participate.
Coastal Discovery
Monterey and Big Sur
The Monterey Bay Adventure offers students an exciting opportunity to explore one of California’s most abundant coastal environments. Over five days and four nights, students will travel by van to the Monterey/Big Sur region, where we will visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, swim in freshwater streams underneath the redwoods, and hike along the coast to observe local wildlife and ecosystems. Through these experiences, students will deepen their understanding of ocean conservation and coastal habitats while building collaboration and problem solving skills. Evenings will include shared meals, group games, and reflection time.
This trip combines outdoor adventure with meaningful learning and is designed to help students strengthen both their scientific curiosity and their connections with one another.
Student Backpacking
Yosemite National Park
The Yosemite Backpack trip invites students in grades 6–8 to explore one of the country’s most iconic national parks. Over six days, participants will hike scenic trails, camp in the backcountry, and develop skills in navigation, outdoor problem solving, and teamwork. The majority of the trip will be backcountry travel, with a day trip to the iconic Yosemite Valley at the end of the trip.
This year, we’re inviting one parent/guardian to join each student on this adventure if they would like. A separate registration is required for each participant (student and parent/guardian). Students are not required to have a parent/guardian to participate.
Coastal Discovery
Monterey and Big Sur
The Monterey Bay Adventure offers students an exciting opportunity to explore one of California’s most abundant coastal environments. Over five days and four nights, students will travel by van to the Monterey/Big Sur region, where we will visit the Monterey Bay Aquarium, swim in freshwater streams underneath the redwoods, and hike along the coast to observe local wildlife and ecosystems. Through these experiences, students will deepen their understanding of ocean conservation and coastal habitats while building collaboration and problem solving skills. Evenings will include shared meals, group games, and reflection time.
This trip combines outdoor adventure with meaningful learning and is designed to help students strengthen both their scientific curiosity and their connections with one another.
Reservoir Climb and Backpack
Courtright Reservoir and Sierra National Forest
The Courtright Reservoir trip challenges students to explore the Sierra Nevada through climbing and backpacking. Over nine days, students will practice top rope climbing, rappelling, and other technical skills before embarking on a five day backpacking journey, including a summit of Three Sisters Mountain.
Along the way, students will climb, hike scenic trails, and develop teamwork, problem solving, and leadership skills. Students can be eligible for several advanced competencies through this trip, including, but not limited to: Advanced Outdoor Leadership, Advanced Collaboration, and Advanced Perspectives Across Differences.
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.