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Welcome!
Welcome!
Students have asked for years for a course that fills the gap between getting out of the classroom and working as a field researcher—a course that covers the basics of being outdoors. You'll learn camping essentials (tents, packs, stoves, fires), wilderness safety and navigation, as well as some of the basics of doing science outside. We will tie knots. We will cook over fire. We will see stars. We will work hard. We will have fun.
What past students are saying:
What past students are saying:
"It helps you build confidence being outside!"
"Super informative, extremely fun, relaxed environment."
"You get to have fun and learn things but without all the textbooks."
"It's a great opportunity to meet others and build a closer bond."
This course is for you if:
You like spending time outside!
You want to become more comfortable outside!
You want to gain valuable professional skills for a career in environmental science, resource management, field biology, land management, etc etc etc.
This course is also for you if:
You've never been camping before.
You go camping all the time.
You want to try something new.
You want to meet new people.
Class will meet once/week in Weeks 2-6 only.
Camping Trip (3-days, 2-nights; typically a Friday afternoon through Sunday morning) dates announced prior to registration.
All class meetings and the trip are mandatory.
We're super excited to partner with CSUCI's Outdoor Adventure Program for this course.
Learn more about OA here, including their General Info page!
This course is for everybody:
We get it. Not everyone is comfortable being outdoors. There are accessibility barriers. There is stigma. Not all people see themselves in the outdoors or see the outdoors as for them.
OUR GOAL FOR THIS COURSE is to make the outdoors feel welcoming and accessible to EVERYONE, regardless of your background, experience, ability, or comfort. We aim to foster a sense of BELONGING in our community and in the outdoors for ALL STUDENTS.
This course is for everybody!
To Succeed In This Course
Show up and on time. Participation is a huge component of your grade.
Be open to new experiences. We will provide them, but they can be (a little) uncomfortable.
Welcome yourself and others. We will work hard, together, and help each other.
(Answers to) Frequently Asked Questions
No experience necessary. Seriously.
It's a one unit course, repeatable for credit.
We will have five evening meetings (in the time/place posted in the schedule) and a 3-day, 2-night Camping Trip (dates change each term, but are announced in advance).
Yes. Mandatory means mandatory: if you do not attend all meetings and the whole camping trip, you cannot pass the course.
Following University Policy, the camping trip is pet, alcohol, and drug free.
Yes. You will have to work and learn stuff and demonstrate that you learned stuff (in a final exam) to earn a passing grade.
What Gear/Equipment must students provide? None.
Camping gear and equipment, except for basic personal items, will be provided.
Transportation will be provided.
Food will be provided—but we'll have to cook it ourselves!
There will be a course travel fee (set based on our destination).
Where have we camped during previous terms?
El Capitan State Beach
Leo Carrillo State Beach
Sespe Wilderness in Los Padres National Forest
Channel Islands National Park
More Questions?
More Questions?
Ask me! My goal is to make sure you have what you need to succeed in this course.
dan (dot) reineman (at) csuci (dot) edu
Email is the best way to connect and I can usually respond within 1-2 work days.
Hi!
My name is Dan R. Reineman; students call me "Doc," which is easier to spell and pronounce than my name! I LOVE camping and working outdoors. My longest field season was two months in a tent on a beach on a remote island in the Galapagos studying birds. It was really cool; definitely Type II Fun. I have two young sons and am doing my best to raise them to be happy outdoors.
My name is Dan R. Reineman; students call me "Doc," which is easier to spell and pronounce than my name! I LOVE camping and working outdoors. My longest field season was two months in a tent on a beach on a remote island in the Galapagos studying birds. It was really cool; definitely Type II Fun. I have two young sons and am doing my best to raise them to be happy outdoors.
Support options at CSUCI:
Support options at CSUCI:
CI's Canvas Support for students is specific for Canvas; general Technical Assistance is available from the CSUCI Solution Center.
Academic Advising provides lots of services to undergraduate students as do CI's Tutoring Centers for ESRM and other disciplines.
Writing Resources and Assistance from CI's Writing & Multiliteracy Center and ESRM’s Writing Tutorials.
John Spoor Broome Library - Heck yeah, the library has TONS of great resources and services!
Disability and Accommodation Support Services (DASS) assists students with disabilities by providing a wide range of support.
Student Health Services provides outpatient care to CSUCI Students.
Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) provides 24/7 support.
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