Outdoor School
Not all classrooms have four walls.
Outdoor School Overview
Fall: September through December
Spring: January through May
Our Mission
Calvin Crest Outdoor School partners with public, private, charter, and home schools to bring students into contact with science, history, and the wonder of the great outdoors. Through immersion in nature and hands-on learning, students have the opportunity to learn about subjects such as ecology, survival, and geology, all while developing important teamwork and life skills. This powerful partnership creates a legacy of empowered, resilient, and curious learners who will carry their passion for the outdoors and science with them throughout their lives.
Included
- Food & Meals
- Lodging & Accommodations
- Friendship & Community
- Games & Camp Activities
- Personal Growth
Questions?
What To Expect
Utilizing the forest, streams, night skies, and fresh air, our curriculum presents natural science, environmental education, wilderness skills, and historical topics. Courses and activities include subjects in the disciplines of ecology, geology, history, conservation, survival, and nature study. Curriculum units and all necessary equipment and materials are provided by the Outdoor School for classroom teachers, who will be the instructors for each course. Calvin Crest staff persons also serve as instructors, which helps reduce class sizes on the trails. Students participate in hands-on learning and outdoor recreation while developing important teamwork and life skills in a fun and exciting environment.
What To Pack
The weather at Calvin Crest is often unpredictable, and nights and mornings are always chilly. There is also occasional rain and/or snow. Therefore, if possible, it is important that your student have sufficient warm clothing and good shoes. Please follow the guidelines on the enclosed equipment/clothing list. We do have an adequate supply of rubber boots and ponchos available for student use at no cost. Please check weather forecasts before arriving.
Director Of Outdoor School
Questions about Outdoor School? Contact Christina:
christina@calvincrest.com | 559.772.4040 ex. 105.
Christina Melahn
Christina has served at Calvin Crest for eleven years in various capacities. In her time at camp, her faith has grown through interactions with guests and experiencing God's providence through times of adversity. She felt called to camp ministry when she was in high school and is grateful for the opportunity to live out that calling through Outdoor School and summer programs.
She is a Wilderness First Responder and loves introducing students and campers to the great outdoors! She spends her free time hiking, traveling, and playing board games with friends.
Food & Menu
The menu below includes options and will be mixed and matched depending on the week. For students with food allergies and/or dietary restrictions, please fill out a Dietary Needs Request Form and return it to Calvin Crest no later than two weeks before arriving at Calvin Crest. A student with dietary restrictions may bring some of their own food to be stored in the kitchen if it has been worked out in advance with the Director of Food Services. We will do our best to accommodate for allergies or dietary restrictions while still providing food at a reasonable cost. For those with severe peanut allergies, we will remove all peanut products from our dining hall and general store.
Sending Mail to Your Camper:
All mail to students should be addressed as follows:
Student Name
School Name (i.e. Abby Smith, Oak Creek)
c/o Calvin Crest Conferences
45800 CalvinCrest Road
Oakhurst, CA. 93644
- Please include your return address on every piece of mail, including postcards, so that the mail will be returned to sender if it does not arrive in time to be delivered to your student.
- All care packages should be scheduled to arrive no later than the day before your student leaves camp.
- For timely delivery, we recommend sending care packages through UPS and FedEx.
- Please note that because we are located in an isolated area, most delivery companies do not guarantee overnight or second-day service even if you pay for it.
- Please do not send any mail or packages that require a signature.
2024-2025 Outdoor School Rates
We provide an outstanding learning experience at an affordable rate. These fees cover meals, lodging, program, supplies and equipment.
Day Use | Three Day (A) | Three Day (B) | Four Day | Five Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$75 Per Student Or $70 (No Lunch) | $230 Per Student | $235 Per Student | $270 Per Student | $295 Per Student |
Includes: | Includes: | Please Contact For More Information | Includes: | Includes: |
2 Classes | 3 Classes | -- | 4 Classes | 6 Classes |
1 Meal | 6 Meals | -- | 9 Meals | 12 Meals |
& 1 Free Time | 2 Free Time | -- | 2 free times, Loggers' Jamboree | 3 free times, Loggers' Jamboree |
-- | & 2 Evening Programs | -- | & 3 evening programs | & 4 evening programs |
Location Details
- Calvin Crest Outdoor School is located at 45800 Calvin Crest Road, Oakhurst, CA, about 10 miles north of Oakhurst, and east of Highway 41, midway between Bass Lake and the south entrance to Yosemite National Park.
- Calvin Crest is located approximately 1.5 hours from Fresno and sits at an elevation of 5,000 feet, nestled on 340 acres surrounded by the Sierra National Forest, which includes the adjacent Nelder Grove of giant sequoias.