Virtual Resources
At Pathfinder Ranch, our mission is to enrich lives by providing quality facilities and programs that connect people to nature and each other; our vision to inspire and empower individuals to be environmental and social agents of change. And in this time of social distancing and stay-at-home orders, when our facilities and programs remain closed or at limited capacity for the safety of our communities, we think that mission and vision are of no less importance. Below you’ll find all of our virtual and distance learning options – each designed to help you and your loved ones connect with nature and each other, all from the comfort of your own home.
We can’t wait to welcome back campers, retreat attendees, and students! In the meantime, we hope you can enjoy these virtual resources. Check back often – we plan to add more resources as we’re able. If you’re able and you enjoy using these resources, please consider making a donation to help us continue offering these and future virtual resources.
Virtual 360 Hikes
These 360 hikes are perfect for teachers looking to provide a virtual field trip to their students as well as for anyone feeling stuck indoors. Each hike combines a 360 video with informational blurbs that appear throughout. Download a transcript of each hike:
- Land Bridge Nature Observation Hike
- Meet the Animals on Pathfinder Ranch’s Betsy’s Farm
- More to come!
For optimal viewing, be sure to set the video quality at 1080s or higher (click on the Settings gear in the lower right of the video screen). You can also view these 360 hikes using a VR headset such as Google Carboard for a more immersive experience. Don’t have a VR headset? Consider making your own with this open source template from Google.
Virtual Outdoor & Environmental Education Classes
Just because campers and students aren’t able to visit Pathfinder Ranch doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Choose from a variety of Outdoor Education classes – all now virtual! Classes are designed to be asynchronous and self-paced, and they require access to an internet enabled device (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). Classes are designed to spark your learner’s curiosity, provide resources and activity prompts to encourage exploration, and empower self-directed learning. Please note that all classes are hosted on Google Classroom and therefore require a Google account. If you or your child do not yet have a Google account, you can open one for free.
Virtual Outdoor & Environmental Education Classes
Just because campers and students aren’t able to visit Pathfinder Ranch doesn’t mean the fun has to stop! Choose from a variety of Outdoor Education classes – all now virtual! Classes are designed to be asynchronous and self-paced, and they require access to an internet enabled device (computer, tablet, smartphone, etc.). Classes are designed to spark your learner’s curiosity, provide resources and activity prompts to encourage exploration, and empower self-directed learning. Please note that all classes are hosted on Google Classroom and therefore require a Google account. If you or your child do not yet have a Google account, you can open one for free.
Get Connected: An Environmental Education At-Home Enrichment Guide
With screen time up for many youth across the country, we recognize that virtual classes might not be the best fit for everyone. That’s why our staff worked over the summer to develop an enriching option for students that can be downloaded, printed, and completed with minimal screen time.
The result, Get Connected: An Environmental Education At-Home Enrichment Guide, is a 16 week curriculum designed to connect students in grades 4-6 to the people and natural wonders nearest them. Weekly video lessons help jumpstart students’ learning, while follow-up activity guides, weekly content reviews, and a culminating project ensure students have plenty of time to dive deep and pursue their interests.
Coming soon! Sign up below to recieve notificaiton when the full Guide is available.
Camp Craft Kits
Take a break from the stress of the world and satisfy your inner maker with one of our new Camp Craft Kits! You’ll recieve all the materials you need to complete the project along with a link to an exclusive how-to video. All proceeds from these kits go directly towards supporting the animals on Betsy’s Farm and in the Pathfinder Ranch equine herd.
Camp Craft Kits available now:
- Alpaca Dryer Balls
Camp Craft Kits coming soon:
- Forest Potpourri
- Mineral Exploration
LiveCam(p): The Pathfinder Ranch Livestream
See what’s happening at the Ranch in real time! LiveCam(p) sessions are scheduled in advance and play on our YourTube Channel. You can download the Pathfinder Ranch LiveCam(p) calendar to make sure you never miss a forest sunset, alpaca bath, or lake sunrise, subscribe to our YouTube Channel, or watch past LiveCam(p) sessions on this page.
To add the LiveCam(p) calendar to your Google Calendar: right click on the download button above, select Copy link address, then add a calendar to your Google Calendar using that URL.
Connect at Pathfinder
Enhance your virtual experience! Sign up to access high speed internet by yourself, with your family, or with your distance learning pod at one of our two outdoor work stations. While you’re here, access the virtual resources above, follow a self-guided nature hike, and take in the beauty of the natural world.
To sign up, call (951)659-5035. Space is limited.
Connect at Pathfinder
Enhance your virtual experience! Sign up to access high speed internet by yourself, with your family, or with your distance learning pod at one of our two outdoor work stations. While you’re here, access the virtual resources above, follow a self-guided nature hike, and take in the beauty of the natural world.
To sign up, call (951)659-5035. Space is limited.
Like what you see? Please consider making a donation to support this and other vital work.