San Mateo Outdoor Education
San Mateo County Office of Education · Private
San Mateo Outdoor Education is a week-long residential outdoor science school run by the San Mateo County Office of Education in cooperation with local schools and the San Francisco YMCA's Camp Jones Gulch, set in the redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains near La Honda. About 5,500 students a year come with their classes and teachers to study forest and beach ecosystems, hike, and live together in cabins led by naturalist interns and high-school cabin leaders. The program began in 1965 with a single 6th-grade class and has since served more than 225,000 children; it is certified as a Resident Outdoor Science School by California Outdoor School Administrators, and the camp holds American Camp Association accreditation. Attendance is arranged through participating school districts, and donations fund scholarships for families who cannot cover the roughly $500 weekly cost.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact San Mateo County Office of Education directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Brianna Caruzo✨I really enjoyed this experience! It was amazing all the staff and cabin leaders were so nice to me. And the cabins were clean and the place was nice. My favorite thing about outdoor ed will be beach day. Beach was a really fun experience we got to go to pebble beach and tide pools. Overall I really had a fun and unforgettable experience. Thank you outdoor ed.✨
★★★★★Stacy GutierrezLove it I had the quiel it was amazing the food loved it I was so sad to leave I want to go back but there was a little problem the water was bad but it's okay I loved it the skit the solo walk was my favorite
★★★★★HezekiahsmomI was in the egret cabin in 1990 I believe from Monte Verde school. Such a fun experience and even though I didn't cry and was ready to go home by the end of the trip it was so fun and my first time away from home. I remember the first night in the cabin all the girls being scared to get undressed in front on one another lol. Now I'm 44 and still look back on the experience fondly
★★★★★Dexter HigginbothamBest experience ever. It was super amazing. I loved my cabin leaders! Thank you, Justin and Matthew! Go Stellars Jay. Anyways, one problem: Stellar’s Jay had no bathroom. But it is fine! The night walk to go use the bathroom is INSANE. the stars are so cool. And don’t even get me started on my naturalist. Sundog is the best. He made my time so much worth it. I loved hanging out with my color group. I miss my cabin mates from different schools cause I’ll most likely never see them again, but it’s fine. I went October 14 to October 18 of 2024. Best week of my life. Once again, Thank you Outdoor Education!
★★★★★Kaven ChungI was here this week, OH MY GOD I'll NEVER forget this place. The hikes are fun and the occasional banana slug hypes up your cabin mates and maybe you too. Outdoor ed has a lot of awards, you and your cabin or table can get them if you work very hard for them. Their stand on food waste works very well! You'll most likely cry when you have to leave like I did, because this place is enjoyable and unforgettable. Too bad I had to leave a day early because of Valentines' Day.