SCHOOL PROGRAMS
The mission of School Programs at Westminster Woods is to foster the development of character, community, and science literacy in students through experiential outdoor education.
Character • Community • Science Literacy
Enter the world of Outdoor Education! Nestled into a 200 acre coastal redwood forest, Westminster Woods offers exceptional Environmental Education and Character Development programs to primary and secondary students. Whether they’re discovering micro-organisms in our creek, climbing to new heights on our Challenge Course or gazing at the crystal-clear night sky, students have endless opportunities for exploration and hands-on learning. Click Below to learn more about our programs!
Contact our School Programs Logistics Coordinator at logistics@westminsterwoods.org with any questions.
Registered Teachers! Click below to find medical forms, packing lists, and general information that you’ll need for your class trip to Westminster Woods.
our school programs open house is on september 12th, 2026!
“We could not have asked for a better experience. Our students had an amazing time and gained memories that will last a lifetime. I genuinely feel our kids are changed for the better.”
About our Programs
We offer three program types: those focused on Environmental Science and Education; those devoted to Character Development that focus on teambuilding initiatives and our high ropes course; and programs that combine the best of our Environmental Science and Character Development initiatives.
Areas of Study
Redwood Forest Ecology
Stream & Watershed Ecology
Marine Science & Tidepooling
Conservation & Restoration Ecology
Challenge Course & Teambuilding
Click below to learn more about each program!
“This program is exceptional. The staff is very engaging and organized. They know how to connect with the students while sharing new knowledge and experiences.”
Sample Programs
Below are examples of the 5 day, 4 day, 3 day ecology, and 3 day character development programs we offer. Individual program blocks can be altered to fit your school's needs. One day challenge course and environmental education programs are also an available option.
Rates
2025-2026 School Program Rates
*The chaperone rate is based on an 8:1 ratio. Chaperones above the 8:1 ratio must be pre-approved by Westminster Woods and will be charged the student rate.
Teachers
We require at least one teacher per school. One teacher per class (approximately 20 students) may attend without charge. All additional teachers and school staff will be charged at the chaperone rate. Teachers will be provided with separate housing from the students and may share a house with teachers from other attending schools.
High Ropes Challenge Course
If available, high ropes can be added to your program at an additional cost of $10 per student per half day of high ropes.
Pool
Pool reservations must be made one month prior to trip. This seasonal option is available mid-April through mid-October. Please check with the Logistics Coordinator for specific dates. Schools may be combined during pool time. Westminster Woods will provide lifeguards.
All participants must bring a sack lunch on arrival day. Single day programs have a 9:30 arrival time and 4:30 departure time. Multi-day programs have a 10:00 arrival time and 1:00 departure time on the final day. Rates include cabins, one meeting room, meals beginning with dinner on the first day, and programming. Schools must pay for a minimum of 12 student participants.
Future annual increases can be expected to accommodate inflation.
About our staff
Our Teacher Naturalists are dedicated professionals committed to supporting Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards through inquiry, observation, adventure, and discovery. We maintain small group sizes to maximize the learning experience and encourage reflection and growth.
“This program exceeded my expectations! Naturalists guides were extremely skilled at all aspects of the program especially teambuilding, interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, fun, humourous, engaging, and caring. It was pleasure to watch them execute their craft!”
School Programs open house
2026
Join us at Westminster Woods on September 12th, 2026 from 11am-2pm!
En español, a continuación
Westminster Woods is opening our doors to anyone who wants to learn a little more about our Environmental Education Program!
Who this open house is for:
Students and families that want to know more about their overnight school trip to Westminster Woods.
What this Open House includes:
A self-guided tour: cabins, playground, cargo net, bathhouses, dining hall and more!
Friendly staff available to answer your questions and paint a picture of what your trip will look like: including our program director, kitchen manager, teacher naturalists, and challenge course team
Snacks!
Increible nature: take it all in! The redwoods in September are a peaceful, beautiful place to be.
What you should bring:
A picnic lunch (optional): lunch is not provided but you're welcome to bring and eat your own while on campus
Closed-toed shoes
Sibings: your older and younger siblings are more than welcome to join! Please note that parents, guardians and other care-givers are responsible for supervising their children at all times.
What this is not:
Facilitated programming (i.e. we won't be leading hikes, or operating the Challenge Course)
Come see for yourself why students love this field trip--we can't wait to meet you!
Jornada de puertas abiertas
2026
¡Acompáñanos en Westminster Woods el 12 de septiembre de 2026, de 11:00 a 14:00!
Bienvenido a Westminster Woods para una jornada de puertas abiertas en Sábado, 12 de Septiembre en nuestro campamento en Occidental, CA
Esta jornada de puertas abiertas es para:
Estudientes y families que quieren concer mas acerca de su excursión con escuela en Westminster Woods.
¿Qué inclue esta jornada?
Un recorrido autoguiado: cabañas, parque de juegos, red de carga, cafetería y mas!
Personal amable para responder a sus preguntas: inclue nuestra directora, director, jefe de cocina, naturalistas, y personal de escalar
Bocadillos!
Naturaleza hermosa: disfruta! Las secuoyas en septiembre estan muy preciosas
¿Qué deberías llevar?
Almuerza de picnic (opcional): No se incluye el almuerzo, pero puede traer y consumir el suyo propio
Zapados cerrados
Siblings: Sus hermanos mayores y menores son más que bienvenidos a participar! Por favor, tengan en cuenta que los padres son responsables de supervisar a sus hijos en todo momento.
Lo que esto no es:
Programación facilitada (i.e. No guiaremos caminatas ni operaremos los columpios o la tirolesa)
Ven a descubrir por qué a los estudiantes les encanta esta excursión; ¡estamos deseando conocerte!