1. St. Bede’s March 17th-21st, 2014

2. YMCA Camp Arroyo We opened in 2001
Our buildings use various “green” building techniques as a living model of sustainability
We are located in the hills outside Livermore
138 acres, including:
12 modern cabins
Swimming pool
Large cafeteria
Infirmary
2 yurts
Basketball Court
Organic Garden
Amphitheater

3. What will my child do at Outdoor School?
Outdoor Environmental Education School
Although the students will have fun with the hands on learning, this is not a “summer camp” experience.
Students will be placed in Adventure Groups by their teachers and assigned to an Arroyo Naturalist who will be their teacher while at camp.
Your child will be given the opportunity to explore, hike, learn, have fun and make new friends.
What is a Naturalist?
The instructors at camp are called Naturalists
They have experience working with children of all ages
And a love for the outdoors and passion for what they teach

4. Benefits of East Bay Outdoor School
Our hands-on curriculum meets with many CA State Standards
Community-building and shared experiences transfer into the classroom
Personal growth
Staying overnight away from home—we are experts in helping kids through homesickness
Working with peers and making new friends
Overcoming personal challenges and achievements
Chores—kids take responsibility for taking care of where we live and eat

5. Cabins Male and female cabins are separated.
Each cabin houses 12 people—up to 11 students, at least on adult
Each cabin has:
6 bunk beds
Drawers to store clothes
Heat and A/C to keep kids comfortable
Bathroom inside cabin

6. Bathrooms Each bathroom has: A private shower A private toilet 2 sinks
Shelves for toiletries

7. Example of Our Schedule
7:00 Wake up—Get ready for the day and do cabin chores
8:15 Breakfast
9:00 Adventure Group Lesson
11:45 Lunch
12:30 Quiet Time in Cabins
1:30 Adventure Group Lesson
4:15 Recreation Time
5:45 Dinner
6:45 Cabin Time
7:15 Night program
8:45 Get ready for bed (showers)
9:30 Lights out!

8. Lesson Options In Adventure Groups
Voices of the Past
Learn about the Ohlone Indians who lived here before us.
We will explore the culture through hands-on activities, such as making rope and using pump drills for a shell necklace, using a mortar and pestle to grind wheat, and attempting to make fire.
Wild Places
Explore the areas around camp through games and activities.
Look for critters under logs, explore with binoculars, and connect yourself to nature!
Take hikes to check out the wildlife & plants that live around camp.

9. Lessons Garden Eco-Design
Connect to the source of our food by harvesting and cooking with seasonal garden produce.
Talk about life cycles and see it in action through our composting systems.
Assist us with caring for our garden
Eco-Design
Experiment with solar energy and other renewable resources! Can you really power a CD player with the sun’s energy?
Learn earthy-friendly building through hands-on activities

10. Lessons Cresta Blanca Hike
Hike to the top of the surrounding hills for an incredible view of Lake Del Valle.
Learn about local geology and watersheds through fun activities.

11. Recreation Time In the afternoons you can choose a Rec Activity
Choices may include:
Soccer
Basketball
Lanyards
Board games
And other sports and arts & crafts!

12. Night Programs Options Include: Staff Campfire Night Walk
Surprise Activity
Student Skit Night

13. Meals Students are assigned a table group for the week.
Meals are served family style.
Students will have 3 well-balanced nutritious meals prepared by our professional Food Service Staff.
There is plenty of variety to keep everybody satisfied.
If your child has a food allergy or any dietary issues please write it on the health form so that the kitchen can accommodate your child’s needs.
Meals may include:
Breakfast: pancakes, eggs, cereal, fruit, bacon, tater tots
Lunch: Burritos, grilled cheese, wraps, fries, pizza, salad
Dinner: pasta, stir fry, tacos, vegetables, roast turkey, mashed potatoes, rice

14. We’re all helpers!
During meals, we have 3 jobs that everyone has the opportunity to assist with. We are a community so everyone helps each other.
Set Up: A different group will set the tables for each meal
Hoppers: Each table will have 2 rotating hoppers per meal. Hoppers serving dishes to the table and clear the items at the end of the meal. (They are NOT in charge of serving any food.)
Clean Up: Each cabin group will sweep the cafeteria floor at least once so that the dining hall is ready for the next meal.

15. Safety and Medical Concerns
Students are supervised by adults 24 hours a day
There are 1-2 chaperones per cabin to supervise whenever students are in the cabin
Students are never allowed to go anywhere by themselves. We use a buddy system
The YMCA Camp Arroyo staff have all been fingerprinted
All staff are First Aid and CPR certified and trained in use of the onsite AED
All medications are distributed by the Health Supervisor assigned by the school
Emergency services can be at camp within 10 minutes

16. Behavior Management Some of Our Rules Our Warning System
Four Core Values: Respect, Responsibility, Honesty, Caring
Always follow the Buddy System
Walk on the paths
Listen and follow the directions of my teachers and chaperones
Respect the property of others
Respect the privacy of others
Use language that is positive
Help my cabin clean every morning before breakfast
Our Warning System
1st warning: Verbal
2nd warning: Will miss Rec Time for the day
3rd warning: Will miss Rec Time and will call home
4th warning: Will be sent home

17. What to Bring (You will receive a packing list from your teachers)
Sack lunch for Arrival Day ONLY
WATERBOTTLE!!!
Day pack to carry water bottle, sunscreen, warm layer on lesson
Don’t bring anything new and don’t buy anything special for camp! You will get dirty!
Sleeping bag OR twin-size sheets and blanket
Pillow
Pajamas (sleeping clothes)
2 pairs of shoes (in case one pair gets muddy)
Pants, shirts, jacket, hat
Rain coat or poncho
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, towel, sunscreen, chapstick
What to Bring (You will receive a packing list from your teachers)

18. What to Bring (You will receive a packing list from your teachers)
Sack lunch for Arrival Day ONLY
WATERBOTTLE!!!
Day pack to carry water bottle, sunscreen, warm layer on lesson
Don’t bring anything new and don’t buy anything special for camp! You will get dirty!
Sleeping bag OR twin-size sheets and blanket
Pillow
Pajamas (sleeping clothes)
2 pairs of shoes (in case one pair gets muddy)
Pants, shirts, jacket, hat
Rain coat or poncho
Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, soap, towel, sunscreen, chapstick
What to Bring (You will receive a packing list from your teachers)

19. Sandals—students must wear close-toed shoes outside of cabins (flip-flops for the shower are okay)
Gum, candy, food—it will attract critters
Electronics, like iPods or Gameboys
Swiss Army knives
Money—there is nothing to buy at Camp Arroyo
Cell phones—there are phones at camp for emergencies
What NOT to Bring

20. We look forward to seeing you soon
We look forward to seeing you soon! For more information about our program, please visit our website at

21. Fundraising Fundraising goal is $4680 Cost per student is $312
Fundraising Option: Pizza Lunches every Friday from October-February
Families have the option of a payment plan if not interested in fundraising
Payment plan is $52 a month for 6 months (October 1st-March 1st)