Extended Outdoor Ed
Extended outdoor education trips begin in fourth grade. These trips are a natural extension of the learning that goes on in the classroom, with science and social studies often providing the basis for each trip. The trips also help to foster a sense of community and togetherness among students.
4th Grade Trip: California Gold Country
Bringing the Gold Rush to Life
The fourth grade culminates their intensive study of the California Gold Rush by taking a trip to the historic town of Coloma. Students participate in authentic Gold Rush activities and enjoy the outdoor opportunities in the area. The trip and hands-on activities bring to life the many different aspects of California history that students learned about in the classroom in a rich, interactive way.
5th Grade Trip: Santa Cruz Mountains
Fostering Teamwork and Leadership Skills
The fifth grade spends a day and night at the Happy Valley Conference Center in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Professional facilitators from Naturalists at Large engage our students in appropriate challenges that develop teamwork and individual skills, including hiking and ropes course activities. In addition, students kayak on Elkhorn Slough. The goal of the fifth grade overnight is to foster teamwork and leadership skills that students will employ throughout the school year.
6th Grade Trip: Yosemite National Park
Studying the Natural Wonders of Yosemite
Sixth graders take a four-day trip in late fall to Yosemite National Park. The students stay in Curry Village and hike daily, taking in the wonders of Yosemite. Led by guides from the NatureBridge, the sixth graders study the watersheds, geology, ecology, plants and animals of Yosemite valley.
7th Grade Trip: Joshua Tree
Rock Climbing and Hiking Through Joshua Tree
Each spring, the entire seventh grade class spends a week at Joshua Tree National Monument hiking, rocking climbing, and learning about nature and the desert ecosystem. While at Joshua Tree, students share leadership responsibilities and chores. The trip also tests and expands the character of students who are asked to step outside familiar, comfortable and traditional roles to explore more of themselves, others, and the natural world. Students often cite the Joshua Tree trip as one of the most memorable experiences of their time at MCDS.
8th Grade Trip: Ansel Adams Wilderness
Backpacking Through Ansel Adams Wilderness
In early fall, eighth graders take a four-day trip to Ansel Adams Wilderness. Students backpack through the region and learn how to filter water from one of the spectacular lakes in the region. Fishing is a highlight of this trip.
Additionally, towards the end of their 8th grade year, students have the option of participating in one of several intensive projects in an area that reflects their interest. The projects vary from year to year and can range from marine science to sewing and textiles to local day trips to overnight backpacking trips. Many of the projects involve field trips to destinations in the greater Bay Area, including Point Reyes National Seashore, Bolinas and Monterey.