Walden West Outdoor School & Summer Camp

Walden West Outdoor School & Summer Camp Sustainability & Environmental Science education for children of the Bay Area We have programs for children grades K-12, lead by our teaching staff.

Walden West Outdoor School is operated by the Santa Clara County Office of Education, from two campuses in the mountains of Saratoga and Cupertino, providing thousands of 5th and 6th grade students with hands-on environmental science education each year. State and county parks adjacent to our campuses provide an additional 3,000 acres of thickly forested land and over 70 miles of wooded trails. A

variety of natural settings, including forest, chaparral, meadow and riparian are easily accessible and provide ideal teaching areas. At Walden West students from under-served areas of San Jose, Oakland, and beyond get to experience, explore, and learn, in the forest for the first time. Our Outdoor Science School offers week long programs, where students live and learn in an outdoor environment. The program is operated on the premise that students learn best through hands-on activities and is guided by California State Science Standards, preparing students for state testing. Lessons in the natural sciences are brought to life so that students will develop an understanding and sense of appreciation for the environment. At Walden West you may learn about decomposition and soil erosion while composting in our garden, or get a lecture about the water cycle while sitting on the banks of a creek. Our Summer Camp provides a myriad of activities that build self-confidence and long-term friendships while still focusing on environmental and outdoor exploration themes. The Walden West Foundation The Walden West Foundation funds Walden West Outdoor School, providing quality, educational, science programs for thousands of students across the Bay Area. To read more about our current capital campaigns and plans for the future, please visit our website and check out our fundraising brochure:http://www.sccoe.org/waldenwest/docs/WW_Brochure.pdf

06/14/2026

Counselor training: Done.
Ready for summer: ABSOLUTELY!

As another incredible school year wraps up, we want to extend a massive thank you to our partner high schools for connec...
06/08/2026

As another incredible school year wraps up, we want to extend a massive thank you to our partner high schools for connecting us with amazing teen volunteers. Your students brought energy, dedication, and heart to our organization, making a tangible difference in our community every single day. We are deeply grateful for your collaboration and look forward to welcoming more student leaders next year!

Thanks to our volunteers from: Santa Teresa Key Club, Santa Teresa Biochem Club, Summit Tahoma High School, Summit Preparatory High School, and St. Mary's College High School.

If your school/club is interested in partnering with us for community service, let us know!

Meet the people behind the scenes of this year's summer programs!
06/04/2026

Meet the people behind the scenes of this year's summer programs!

Talk about a full-circle moment! 🥹 When Ms. Damaso brought her Noble Elementary students to science camp last month, she...
06/04/2026

Talk about a full-circle moment! 🥹 When Ms. Damaso brought her Noble Elementary students to science camp last month, she reunited with Otter—her own field instructor from her days as a camper from Northwood! 🌲❤️

Hey friends,We are aware that there are bots spamming our page with comments. Please do not click on any links ...
05/21/2026

Hey friends,

We are aware that there are bots spamming our page with comments. Please do not click on any links from people you don't know, even if you are tagged. Feel free to report these comments as spam. We are working on it, but we are having a hard time keeping up.

Thanks!

Come along with us as we continue celebrating 75 years of past, present, and growing forward at Walden West.Many thanks ...
05/13/2026

Come along with us as we continue celebrating 75 years of past, present, and growing forward at Walden West.

Many thanks to field instructor Alpha Dog for putting this awesome documentary together!

2 likes. "Walden West 75th Anniversary Documentary"

Walden West celebrated 75 years of outdoor education on April 25. It was great to see our former and current staff and e...
05/06/2026

Walden West celebrated 75 years of outdoor education on April 25. It was great to see our former and current staff and educators come together to celebrate such a remarkable milestone.

Thanks to everyone in attendance for sharing the smiles, laughs, and memories!

Calling all teens!The camp counselor application for this summer closes this Friday, April 10. Please submit your applic...
04/07/2026

Calling all teens!

The camp counselor application for this summer closes this Friday, April 10. Please submit your application soon!

04/02/2026

Don't forget to register for our summer programs! We have still have spots available in our June and July camp weeks.

For more information and to register, please visit https://www.waldenwest.org/summer-programs

(Please note: We have switched registration software. We are now on Campsite.)

The deadline to submit an application to be a volunteer summer camp counselor this year at Walden West is fast approachi...
03/30/2026

The deadline to submit an application to be a volunteer summer camp counselor this year at Walden West is fast approaching!

Apply now for unforgettable memories and to be a part of the best summer ever! Applications close on April 10.

For more information and to apply, visit https://www.waldenwest.org/volunteers/summer-counselors

Address

15555 Sanborn Road
Saratoga, CA
95070

Telephone

(408)5733050

Website

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