COSA programs challenge students to grow personally and socially by integrating California’s Social and Emotional Learning Guiding Principles into all aspects of the program: 

• • Adopt whole-child development as the goal of education

  • Commit to equity

  • Build capacity for relationship-centered learning environments

  • Partner with families and communities

  • Learn and improve to inform improvement of instructional and school practices

To achieve the California Department of Education’s mission and vision, our schools must support every student’s unique journey to fulfill their potential by providing:

• • an equitable, culturally-responsive education,

  • academic, social, and emotional learning, and

  • a safe, engaging, inclusive environment.

Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions. (Quoted from the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning, www.casel.org.)

COSA programs ensure that children spend the majority of their time in nature by the use of site based nature phenomenon to engage curiosity and wonder in all. Curriculum at COSA programs is OUTSIDE! All participants enjoy:

• the mental health benefits of being outside

• becoming comfortable and curious about nature 

• feeling included in natural spaces

• being more likely to go outside when then get back home 

• learning their impact on nature and how to create a sustainable future

To learn more about benefits of nature to children go to Children and Nature Network 

COSA programs have exceptional personnel, facilities and operational standards.  As part of a Local Educational Agency, COSA programs are subject to all the same standards as public schools.  Additionally, we are regulated by several other agencies and maintain higher standards to ensure safe and exceptional experiences for all.  We are regulated by the following agencies and codes:  

• Codes that Impact ROSS

• California Code of Regulations (CCR)

• California Education Code (EDC)

• California Health and Safety Code (HSC)

• California Retail Food Code (which is Part 7 of the California Health and Safety Code, Section 113700, et seq.)

• California Vehicle Code (CVC)

• Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)

• Code of Laws of the United States of America (also called “US Code”)

• California Building Code (CBC) (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 2). 

• California Fire Code (CFC) (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 9). 

• California Plumbing Code (CPC) (California Code of Regulations, Title 24, Part 5). 

• COSA Best Practices (CBP): In those cases where codes do not dictate a practice that is known to be beneficial, COSA has adopted additional codes. 

Agencies that Impact ROSS

• American Camp Association (ACA)

• California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Environmental Health, Organized Camps

• California Highway Patrol (CHP) (if program operates buses)

• California State Water Resources Control Board (if program operates a water system)

• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)

• State Fire Marshal (SFM)

To be a Certified Residential Outdoor Science School a site must meet the following criteria:

1. Operate and/or be administered by a Local Education Agency (LEA).

2. Provide written curriculum which helps students understand the interrelationships of the living and physical components of the environment and the role of humans as participants in the ecosystems.

3. Must have written curriculum that develops skills, attitudes, knowledge and commitment concerning the wise use of natural resources and the protection and enhancement of the environment.

4. Held at a site which has a variety of environmental phenomena that may be observed and studied firsthand.

5. It has personnel, facilities, materials, and equipment to permit students to observe and student environmental phenomena and interrelationships to the best advantage.

6. It provides appropriate facilities and staff for the feeding and lodging of students and teachers while in attendance at the site.

7. Requires student participation for at least two consecutive nights.

8. Primarily serves students in grades four through eight.

9. Meet the standards for certification outlined in the ROSS guide, and must engage in the certification process every five years.