FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

My child has a conflict with the week their team is assigned to attend Outdoor School.  Can they switch which week they attend?

Our scheduled weeks are set months in advance based on the ENH Sempervirens site capacity as well as our projected numbers and so we do not have the flexibility to swap weeks.  

Can my child attend only part of Outdoor School?  Can they come during the days only?

Students must plan to attend the entire program starting Monday of their Outdoor School week (meeting at school for regular drop off time), riding the bus with their classes and teachers to Exploring New Horizons, Sempervirens location, overnight accommodations in cabins Monday through Thursday nights, returning to Canyon on Friday around 1:00 pm.

How much does it cost?

The requested contribution per student is $600 which includes transportation, lodging, meals, supervision and all of the activities included for the trip.  Families can make online contributions via our Canyon Webstore (go to the Canyon Website > select For Families > Webstore).  Contributions can be made in installments/partial payments or paid in full.  Families may also turn in cash or check payable to Canyon Middle School through our Main Office (open school days from 7:30 am - 4:00 pm).  If you would like to request a scholarship for your student, please contact Principal April Wong (awong@cv.k12.ca.us) or 6th Grade Counselor, Itzel Lopez 510-538-8833 ext. 6134 or by email (ilopezsanchez@cv.k12.ca.us).

Will my student get to pick their cabinmates?

Students will have the opportunity to identify a top 5 list of preferred cabinmates and every attempt is made to connect students with a preferred cabinmate.  Outdoor School is also a great time to make new friends, especially given the exciting location and number of fun activities offered throughout their stay.

Are cell phones allowed?

No.  As you can see from the sample schedule provided, students are busy throughout the day and into the evening and it is particularly important that they are engaged with their classmates and with the activities.  If someone gets sick or there’s an emergency, you will be contacted by staff but generally, no news is good news at Outdoor School!

What “water activities” are included as part of Outdoor School?

Over the course of the week, students visit various ecosystems including the creek and the beach.  While there is NO SWIMMING involved on the trip, part of the science lessons and learning activities involve exposure to these bodies of water.