Adventure Activities
Adventure Activities
Compliment our STEM activities with some AstroCamp adventure! Our adventure activities include ropes course elements, a climbing experience, and a variety of hikes.
Initiatives
This class is a prerequisite for our 4 ropes course elements. Students participate in a series of games and challenges designed improve group dynamics.
Vinewalk
Ropes course element Students climb the base of a Ponderosa pine and walk across a tightrope, assisted by overhanging “vines.”
Power Pole
Ropes course element Students climb to the top of a pole, and then lunge into the open air attempting to strike a ball dangling just out of reach.
Sky Coaster
Ropes course element Students are hoisted by their classmates to their desired height, and then pull a ripcord to sail through the air!
Zip Line
Ropes course element Students are challenged with a cargo net climb followed by a 700-foot zip across the meadow!
Expedition Valles Marineris
Students will have the opportunity to scale the walls of Valles Marineris, one of the largest canyons in the solar system.
Day Hike (one class period)
Led by their instructor, students spend an hour and a half discovering the trails of AstroCamp and learning about native flora and fauna.
Extended Day Hike (two class periods)
The Extended Day Hike provides an even greater opportunity to delve into the natural history of the San Jacinto Mountains.
Full-Day Hike (4 class periods)
On the full day hike, students will study plant and animal life of the mountain ecosystem and learn about local geology. For 5-day groups only.
Frequently Asked Questions
View All FAQsWhat is the typical weather like?
The weather at AstroCamp is extremely variable. Because of the elevation, temperatures here are typically cooler than in the rest of Southern California. It is generally clear and sunny during the day, but temperatures drop rapidly at night. It can snow or rain anytime between October and early June. Please check the Idyllwild weather conditions at noaa.gov before packing. If road conditions are severe, we will contact your lead teacher directly.
What do you do if it rains?
During rainy/snowy days, we try to continue with program as planned. We are able to run almost all of our programs in the rain or snow. If the rain/snow is too heavy (or includes lightning) and does not permit the scheduled program, we always have fun and exciting indoor alternatives.
Will I encounter wildlife?
AstroCamp is located in a forested area, so it is possible to encounter wildlife such as deer, snakes, and squirrels around camp. While these are all wild animals and we cannot control their presence, instructors and administrators thoroughly educate guests about local wildlife and how to appropriately behave around or respond to these animals.
How are AstroCamp instructors hired and trained?
We take pride in employing a well-trained staff of the highest quality. Our instructors come to AstroCamp from all over the United States and occasionally from overseas. We have approximately 28 instructors on staff at any given time. All instructors have a bachelor’s degree in a STEM field (typically in physics or astronomy), a strong desire to teach, and a love for working with children. Instructor training consists of two weeks of intensive program and teaching training. Additionally, instructors receive Lifeguard training through the American Red Cross, which includes CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, First Aid, and Emergency Oxygen Administration.
Do you screen your staff and do background checks?
All staff must satisfactorily complete a criminal history record check before beginning work. This screening includes a self-disclosure form, a public records check, and annual check of the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Website. These criminal history records are reviewed by the Guided Discoveries Human Resources Director prior to the employee beginning work and must conform to Guided Discoveries’ hiring thresholds.
