Frequently Asked Questions
What if it rains?
Why can't I bring hairspray and/or a blow dryer?
What is the food like?
Do I get to take showers?
Will I be in a cabin with his or her friends?
What kinds of animals I see?
Do I have to kiss a banana slug?
What happens if I have a problem at night?
What should I bring?
What if it rains?
San Mateo Outdoor Education is located in a temperate rainforest in the Santa Cruz Mountains, so precipitation is not unlikely. The amount of rain we receive (particularly during the winter and early spring) allows Redwood trees to grow. Fortunately, it usually does not affect our program. We prepare for the weather by dressing in raincoats or ponchos and hike as normal. Since rain can happen any week of the year, be sure to bring one with you. If the weather looks like it might rain on Monday for your arrival at Outdoor Education, make sure to have it with you on the school bus, rather than packed in your luggage. An extra pair of shoes is nice to have in case one pair gets wet.
Why can't I bring hairspray and/or a blow dryer?
Outdoor Education is a special week when we are experiencing nature and trying to minimize our dependence on comfort objects. Some hair care products are destructive to the environment, attract insects, and can be the cause of allergic reactions in other people. Also, our busy schedule and effort to limit electricity does not allow for use of blow dryers.
What is the food like?
Great! The YMCA Camp Jones Gulch kitchen staff have had years of experience cooking for students. A vegetarian option is available at every meal and special dietary needs are always accommodated. Please review our menu to see the food served at Outdoor Education. Contact our Health Care Specialist with any questions about dietary needs.
Do I get to take showers?
Yes. You will be able to take two showers during the week at Outdoor Education. Showers are taken before dinner and with your cabin group. Not all cabins have private shower areas; therefore, you should bring a bathing suit.
Will I be in a cabin with my friends?
We cannot guarantee that you will be in a cabin with your friends, but you will definitely be with at least students from your class. You will have the opportunity to meet new friends from other schools who are assigned to the same cabin during your week.
What kinds of animals will I see?
Jones Gulch is home to deer, raccoons, red-tail hawks, rabbits, bobcats, banana slugs and many insects. Mountain lion sightings in the area are extremely rare, and bears are extinct in this part of California.
Do I have to kiss a banana slug?
It's up to you. Banana slugs are the Outdoor Education mascot. They live on the forest floor. Because they are yellow in color, they can be spotted easily. Every student will have the opportunity to join the Banana Slug Club by kissing a slug found in the forest. We do this to show our appreciation for the hard work these decomposers do to keep our forest alive.
What happens if I have a problem at night?
Your high school cabin leader will be sleeping in the cabin with you and your cabin mates. You can wake your cabin leaders in the event of a problem or emergency. Teachers are on-call in a cabin nearby and are available to assist with an emergency. Our Health Care Specialist is on-call if there is a serious medical situation.
What should I bring?
Our packing list will provide details what you'll need.