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Classrooms Without Walls
SYMG is a trusted provider of experiential education experiences that complement traditional classroom-based learning. The memorable atmosphere and unique setting of these experiences promote a lasting impact on students. Our program locations include Yosemite National Park and the Sierra National Forest and can be based in a campground setting or include wilderness field components such as backpacking. With every trip, we send out a detailed pre-trip packets that include a comprehensive gear and equipment list to make sure everyone is prepared for the experience.
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Inclusive Learning Environments
We provide safe learning environments where students have the ability to experience the outdoors in a unique hands-on way that isn't available on a school campus. We work with the teachers and chaperones to make sure that both the students and teachers leave with a positive experience and are ready for the challenges back home. Our progressive menu planning allows SYMG to meet any school's needs and accommodate a variety of dietary preferences and restrictions (e.g. peanut free, Kosher, gluten-free, etc.)
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Engaging In The Natural World
Our guides have the experience and the understanding to instruct students on technical skills, natural history, ecology, land sciences, interpersonal communication, and group dynamics. We can also focus on gaining new experiences, team-building, leadership and personal reflection activities such as solo, journaling, and letters to self. With every trip, we send out a detailed pre-trip packets that include a comprehensive gear and equipment list to make sure everyone is prepared for the experience.
Schools We Work With
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Our friendly office staff are ready to answer any questions and help you book your next adventure!
Testimonials
The Nueva School
“We have worked with this organization for many years, and consider this trip an integral part of our 7th grade curriculum. It serves as the capstone to a number of interdisciplinary studies the students take part in, including a research project centered on the history of National Parks, a deep dive into nature writing and an environmental chemistry project. The trip helps our students put what they’ve learned into perspective, gives them a chance to do some hands on experimenting, writing and exploring while in the backcountry, and deepens their appreciation for the natural world around them. Every year after we return from this trip, we hear from parents who are amazed at how much growth they’ve seen in their child over the span of the week they were gone!”
– Dawn Makley, 7th Grade Dean of Students
San Francisco Friends School
“Since 2010 SYMG has organized and lead our 8th-grade students for a week-long backpacking trip in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The trip has consisted of roughly 50 students and 5-6 faculty, broken up into 5 different wilderness groups and itineraries. They have designed exceptional programs to meet the goals of our trips in fun, engaging, and safe ways. The guides also all have their own individual strengths and incorporate their own ideas/interests as they relate to the particular group they are leading. They have taken advantage of all the Sierras have to offer: pristine wilderness, stunning vistas, unique and rich natural/cultural history, and ample opportunities to teach environmental/resource stewardship. I give them my full endorsement.”
– Guybe Slangen, Director of Community Engagement
Marin Country Day School
“The educational value of the MCDS trip to Ansel Adams with SYMG cannot be underestimated. Led by SYMG’s expert staff, our 8th-grade students enjoy a four-day immersive experience being a part of nature, of learning how to live in the outdoors, accomplishing hikes and camp activities together, and learning from SYMG’s guides about how to navigate trails and weather conditions and learn in the beauty of the wilderness. Students return from this trip with a deeper appreciation of the natural world, including an increased awareness of their role as stewards of the land. This is an essential learning time for our students.”
– Ted Salveit, 7th and 8th Grade Teacher
More Ways To Experience Yosemite & The High Sierra
Guided Backpacking Trips
At SYMG we specialize in planning and executing incredible Yosemite and High Sierra Backpacking Adventures. From three day Half Dome Trips to expedition-style John Muir Trail Adventures, we can do it all, and have since 1991. Our professional guides are renowned for their amazing backcountry cuisine and add color to the experience through natural and cultural history interpretation. In addition to the trips listed below that anyone may join, we can also organize private departures of any of our trips, or even create a custom trip just for you.
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Pack Supported Trekking Trips
Want to get out in the backcountry but don't want to carry a heavy backpack? Then our Yosemite and High Sierra Pack Trips are just the thing for you! We don't hike with the mules each day, but they do pack our gear and provisions along the trail, leaving you to enjoy the day and explore with your professional guide. Plush camps, amazing food, world-class scenery, and engaging guides make SYMG's Horsepack supported trips through the Yosemite High Country a trip to remember. In addition to the Pack Trips we offer, we can also organize private departures of any of our trips, or even create a custom trip just for you.
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Rock Climbing
Since 1991 we've been offering Guided Yosemite Climbing in the southern Yosemite high country. All of our day trips are privately arranged and your personal guide will cater the days to your own personal interests and abilities. From easy top-roping for the family to challenging multi-pitch trad and sport routes, we can do it all. And if you're looking to expand your own skill set, consider our Rock Climbing Instruction courses: the rock climbing skills day and rock climbing camps.
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Yosemite Hiking Tours
Since 1991 we've been offering Yosemite Hiking Adventures throughout the park. All of our day trips are privately arranged and your personal guide will cater the days to your own personal interests and abilities. Choose an interpretive day focusing on natural and cultural history walks to famous landmarks, or set out for a more challenging hiking day on one of Yosemite's long trails.
Browse Yosemite Guided Hiking Trips