Shenandoah Valley's Premier Hiking Company

Trade the classroom for the great outdoors! Whether it’s a scheduled school holiday, a teacher workday, or a planned homeschool excursion, School’s Out, Nature’s In offers middle schoolers (Grades 6–8) an immersive day of exploration in Virginia’s stunning Shenandoah Valley. This isn't just a day off—it’s a hands-on journey through the natural world that bridges the gap between textbooks and the real environment.

🌅 The Morning: Hike & Discover

Our day begins on the trail. Students will embark on a guided hike tailored to spark curiosity and satisfy Virginia Standards of Learning (SOL) requirements. Depending on your group’s focus, our expert guides will lead a session centered on one of the following:

• Geology & Hydrology: Explore the formation of the Blue Ridge Mountains and the unique karst topography of the Valley. (SOL: ES.7, PS.10)

• Wildflowers & Botany: Identify native species and understand the role of pollinators in our ecosystem. (SOL: LS.4, LS.6)

• Conservation & Ecology: Discuss watershed protection and the human impact on the Shenandoah River. (SOL: LS.9, LS.11)

• Regional History: Walk through time, discovering how the land shaped the lives of those who lived here before us.

🧺 The Midday Refuel

After working up an appetite, groups will gather for an outdoor lunch. It’s a time to relax, swap stories from the trail, and prep for the afternoon’s adrenaline boost.

🚣 The Afternoon: Choose Your Path

After lunch, the energy shifts from observation to action. Groups can select one of two high-energy tracks:

Option A: Paddle the Shenandoah

Take to the water in canoes or kayaks. Students will learn basic water safety and navigation while experiencing the river’s flow firsthand. It’s a lesson in teamwork and fluid dynamics that you simply can't get in a lab.

Option B: Mountain Biking Adventure

Hit the trails on two wheels! This session covers bike handling, trail etiquette, and the physics of gear ratios. It’s a fast-paced way to explore the forest canopy and build physical confidence.

📋 Program Details

• Target Audience: Grades 6–8 (School groups, homeschool cooperatives, or groups of friends).

• Location: The scenic Shenandoah River & surrounding mountain trails.

• Curriculum: Fully customizable to meet specific Virginia SOL requirements for Life Science, Physical Science, and Earth Science.

• Equipment: All paddling gear (PFDs, paddles, boats) or mountain bikes and helmets are provided.

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📅 Availability & Scheduling

While you can book this adventure as a custom field day or a summer group outing, we have pre-identified several dates when Warren County Public Schools (WCPS) are closed. These are perfect opportunities for homeschool groups or friends to get together for something different!

Upcoming 2026 WCPS School Closed Dates: | Month | Date(s) | Reason | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | January | Jan 19 | MLK Day / Holiday | | February | Feb 16 | Presidents Day / Holiday | | March | Mar 13 & 16 | Professional Development / Planning | | March/April | Mar 30 – Apr 3 | Spring Break | | May | May 1 | Unencumbered Planning Day | | May | May 25 | Memorial Day |

Please note: Some dates (like Feb 16 or Mar 13/16) may be used as inclement weather make-up days by the school system. Always check the official WCPS Calendar for the most current updates.

🚀 Take the Next Step

This activity can be scheduled as a private field day, a homeschool co-op excursion, or a fun summer activity for your youth group. We are happy to work around your specific needs!

Complete and submit the form below. Explore dates, customize your curriculum focus, and get a quote for your group.

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