*Starred classes are created in our partnership with NASA’s educational program, NASA GLOBE Goes to Camp. An additional waiver is required for all students and adults.
Class Options
The Art of Science
The Art of Science
Science
Our natural world is a masterpiece, and we’re going to closely observe some of the cycles, patterns, and designs found in nature. We’ll even use some of this natural art to create our own craft to remind us of the beauty of nature. This class emphasizes the A in STEAM studies as well as Earth’s systems and the Exploration Routine.
Chemical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Science
You may know what happens when baking soda and vinegar are mixed, but do you know the engineering marvels that this reaction can create? In this practical engineering class, students will use baking soda and vinegar to conduct several experiments, including blowing up a balloon, extinguishing a candle, and creating their own device to affect the chemical reaction.
Dirt Scooters
Dirt Scooters
Physical Education
Kick scooters with pneumatic wheels are a sure way to create adventure on our dirt scooter track. After learning about safety and gearing up, students will have a blast on our track!
Entomology
Entomology
Science
Learn about how scientists categorize all living things, right down to some of the smallest members of the animal kingdom: insects! Students will learn several insect orders, find arthropods in their natural habitat, and dissect a grasshopper.
Geology
Geology
Science, Physical Education
Get your hands on various rock formations and conduct experiments to understand the process of flaking and rock layers as we explore the world of geology and fossilization.
Heights and Balances
Heights and Balances
Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education
Students learn how to set and accomplish SMART goals along with the basics of properly using a ropes course, including knot tying. Heights and Balances can take place at our Vertical Playpen or our Pine Climb.
Meteorology & Physics
Meteorology
Science
Sandwiched between the Pacific and the desert at 3700 feet above sea level, Pine Valley is ideally situated to study weather phenomena. Study weather patterns, see the effects of drought and flooding, look at regrowth from past forest fires, and learn fire safety.
Target Practice
Target Practice
Physical Education, Science
Learn about archery and slingshot safety, equipment, range procedures, vocabulary, and scoring. Put this newfound knowledge into practice at the target shooting range under the direction of a trained instructor.
Theatrics
Theatrics
Teamwork/Leadership
Learn basic acting skills and how to coordinate as a cast as you practice a skit to perform in front of the rest of the school. This class must be done in conjunction with a performance night evening activity so that students can have the opportunity to showcase what they’ve learned.
Balloon Drop Challenge
Balloon Drop Challenge
Teamwork/Leadership, Science
Teams work together to design, budget for, and construct a contraption that will absorb shock and protect a water balloon from a drop of over 35 feet- that’s as tall as an adult standing on our zipline platform!
CSI
Critter Scene Investigation
Science, Teamwork/Leadership
Learn forensic skills and utilize them in a unique way! Teams of investigating students will study several different scenes containing evidence left by animals. What animals were involved? What did they do? It’s up to you to find out in CSI- that is, Critter Scene Investigation!
Electricity
Electricity
Science
Let’s face it: electronics have become a major part of our daily lives. While you may know how to operate your electronic devices, do you know how they work? Using snap circuits and other hands-on activities, you’ll find out in this class!
Environmental Engineering
Env. Engineering
Science, Teamwork/Leadership
Work as a team to engineer new projects. Can you make a solar oven powerful enough to melt a marshmallow? Or can you make wise decisions to prevent and reduce pollution in your model lake? Find results for both of these engineering experiments by the end of class.
Giant's Golf
Giant's Golf
Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education
Learn how to communicate, take leadership, and work as a team with a round of Giant’s Golf. Push your six-foot golf ball around camp with the goal of having your team get to each hole with as few strokes as possible.
Laser Tag
Laser Tag
Physical Education, Teamwork/Leadership, Science
For a high-energy class, set your blasters to ‘fun’! Using our high-tech equipment, teams will have the opportunity to strategize while playing a variety of laser tag games, from free-for-all to multi-team matches. Learn a bit about the science behind lasers as well.
Nature Science Investigators
NSI
Science, Physical Education
In this class, students will enjoy the outdoors as nature investigators, testing their skills to notice their surroundings. They can then put their newfound observation skills into practice with a hike through Cleveland National Forest.
Team Building
Team Building
Teamwork/Leadership, Physical Education
Move out of the comfort zone and closer to your teammates. We will test out traditional “low ropes” elements that will have you balancing, swinging, and strategizing as a team. (To experience more team building elements, you can make this a “double class”, taking up two class periods.)
Trees & Me*
Trees & Me
Have you ever compared your life to the life of a tree? While learning about dendrology, the study of trees, find out how to measure trees and how many of you it would take to reach the treetops. Then discover the stories that tree rings can tell and make your own life story from a tree cookie.