
HFAC Field Institute
Our Field Institute offers nature-based programs with the purpose of creating an intimate connection between our students and their local environment. This creates a sense of purpose, confidence, critical thinking skills, overall physical health as well as academic performance and social development.
See below for our current offerings! Charter funds are accepted through select schools.
Fall Semester 2023:
Field Institute Enrichment Program
![]() |
---|
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
![]() |
REGISTER EARLY - WE ARE FILLING UP FAST!
Students have the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature while reinforcing common core information, learn the art of nature journaling, ecology, handwork, ethnobotany, emotional-social development, primitive and survival skills, campfire cooking, physical agility, and more. This is nature-based outdoor learning in a safe and nurturing environment.
Recommended for ages 7-14.
Choose between our Monday class (Waitlist Only) or our Tuesday class.
Location: Mondays - Big Dalton Campground, Glendora (FULL ), Tuesdays - rotating locations in Glendora and San Dimas including Big Dalton
Time: 10am-2pm
Type: Drop-off Program
Fall Dates: (Mon/Tues) Sept 18/19, 25/26, Oct 9/10, 16/17, 30/31, Nov 6/7, 13/14, 27/28, Dec 4/5, 11/12
Cost: Choose Monday or Tuesday - $750 Fall Semester / Drop-In $80
10% Sibling Discount - use code SIBLING23
Regular Educators for these days: Suzy, Boaz, Rachel, and Joel

Adventure Leaders
NEW! OC and LA groups!
A year of self-discovery during a peak time of each individual's youth development for students in grades 5th-12th. They will be challenged to think critically and push their limits physically and intellectually as an individual, as well as in a group setting. They meet one Friday of each month, receive discounts on many HFAC adventures, and will be invited to work as leadership. Topics include outdoor leadership, conservation, wilderness survival and first aid, primitive skills, and more. They must be committed to the 2023-2024 school year for a complete experience. Read more here.
Location: Los Angeles - Various locations between Claremont and Altadena, Orange County - Home Base in Featherly Park and various locations throughout North Orange County
Type: Drop-off with instructor
Age: Grades 5th-12th
Dates: OC meets the first Friday and Los Angeles meets the 3rd Friday of each month
Options: Charter Funds, Monthly Payments available, Sibling Discounts, Financial Assistance
SoCal Explorers

This is our Field Institute Enrichment Program punch card system. We explore various areas and subjects in Southern California with our students through classes and field study. Use your SoCalEx package to purchase a class in full, or do drop-in sessions in our current classes.
Location: Various SoCal locations
Type: Drop-off, some classes are parent participation required
Study: Earth Science, Entomology, Art, Native Plant study, Photography, Nocturnal Exploration, Hiking, Wilderness First Aid, various multi-subject workshops, and more!
Dates: Year Round August - June
Cost $350 credit for classes, or per seasonal session
Autumn Wilderness Camp
An immersive nature-based program scheduled over a 3-day period on the fall break. They will explore Big Dalton with our naturalists, learn bushcraft skills, have fun with campfire cooking, and expand their knowledge in wildlife ecology and art. This is sure to be a camp they won't want to miss!
Recommended for ages 5-14.
Location: Big Dalton Campground, Glendora
Type: Drop-off
Dates: November 20-22, 2023, 10am-2:30pm
Cost: $195 for the full three days
%20(4).png)