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Experience the flavor of Walden West Center programs by stepping into our Web site. Find out why more than 400,000 students have enjoyed the Walden West Outdoor Science School program for over fifty years, why teachers choose to bring their students back year after year and why children say this is the most exciting activity of their school career. Learn about our award winning summer programs and the young child to adult experiences we provide.

 "Naturally Speaking..."
 Specifics about Walden West Outdoor School

Walden West History
Since 1950, the Santa Clara County Office of Education has provided a unique, hands-on outdoor education experience for fifth and sixth grade students. During the 2004-2005 school year, close to 8,500 students accompanied by teachers from 125 schools and 23 districts spent a week at Walden West Outdoor School.

The Summer Day Camp for 7-12 year olds began in 1984 as a way to offset the cost of Outdoor School. It is acknowledged in its own right and was recently recognized by Bay Area Parent Magazine as one of the top five camps in the Bay Area.

The popularity of the Day Camp program encouraged the center to begin the Walden West Backpack Adventure program in 1998 to accommodate the needs of adventurous older children.

Wild Things for five and six year olds was added in 2002 and was quickly followed by the Leaders in Training program in 2003 to provide leadership skills to potential counselors 13-14 years of age.

The Leaders in Training (LIT) program began in 2003. It helps bridge the gap between day camper and counselor by building leadership skills preparing 13 and 14 years olds for counselor positions.

Walden West Center programs continued to grow when Windows to Our Watershed and Growing Gardens for Growing Minds were begun in 2004. Both of these programs provide experiences for students at or near their schools.

Additional services provided by the Walden West Center include a conference center for school district in-services, youth groups, community organizations and a retreat center for local businesses.

We offer these programs throughout the year:

SCHOOL PROGRAMS		SUMMER PROGRAMS
Outdoor Science School A week long residential science program for 5th and 6th graders.   Growing Gardens for Growing Minds A new outreach program that reintroduces students to their school gardens with state standards aligned science activities.   Windows to Our Watershed (WOW) This program takes learning from the classroom to local creeks, rivers, and bay and helps them make connections to their watershed. All activities are aligned to state standards.		Wild Things A day camp for children ages 5 to 6   Summer Day Camp A day camp for children ages 7 to 12   Leaders in Training Counselor training and self esteem building for teens ages 13 to 14   Backpack Adventure 3 to 10 day backpacking trips for ages 12 to 18. Registration for Wild Things, Day Camp and Leaders in Training program starts on February 29.