Outdoor Education - Field Trips & More
We understand that you want the best educational opportunities for your students — ones that will have a lasting impact. That’s why we partner with schools to reach their students with an outdoor educational experience that’s far beyond the ordinary classroom setting!
Our outdoor education classes and activities provide an interactive science field trip experience. Our courses are customized to meet your time and budget constraints. Black Rock Retreat’s outdoor education program can be a 2-3 day (overnight) school retreat or even just a half-day or 1-day long field trip.
Public Schools
It’s Spring or Fall and Students are Itching to Go Outside! Be the hero! Get your students out of the classroom and learning about the environment while they’re in the middle…
Learn More
Christian Schools
Your Students are Itching to Go Outside! Black Rock Retreat’s outdoor education program is a great way for your students to learn about God’s creation in a hands-on way! Relax…
Learn More
Homeschool Programs at Black Rock Retreat
Homeschool Outdoor Education Days If you would like to be notified of any available programs please join our e-mail list by e-mailing outdoor@brr.org. Outdoor Education Days at…
Learn More
Preschool and Elementary Programming
Are you looking for a low-cost high-quality field trip option? Come visit our Nature Center, and spend 45 minutes visiting with our live animals! Students will learn about animal behaviors…
Learn More
One Day Field Trips
School field trip ideas in Lancaster County, PA are plentiful! But why be inside a classroom when your students can learn outside? Be the hero! Give your students an engaging outdoor…
Learn More
Professional Development Training for Teachers
Teachers Need Time to Learn Too! Support your teachers or your own professional development. Training Sessions take place at our Nature Center, located in the woods of southern Lancaster…
Learn More
School Leader Info & Forms
If you’re a parent/guardian, please check out our Information Packets for Parents/Guardians. You can also find the Permission and Health History Form below and the online food allergy…
Learn More
Info for Parents & Chaperones
Parents/Guardians of Outdoor Education Participants Booklet (PDF) This booklet is for parents of students who will be attending an Outdoor Education trip at Black Rock Retreat. This…
Learn More
Outdoor Education Testimonials
Want to know what parents, teachers, and school administrators think of our outdoor education classes for field trips and retreats at Black Rock Retreat in Lancaster County, PA? Here’s…
Learn More
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sleeping accommodations like? Are the cabins heated? What are the bathroom facilities like? What should the cabin leaders bring for the cabin? As a chaperone, what am I responsible…
Learn MoreLearning starts with YOU!
Whether you’re a public school, private school, Christian school, or homeschool group, your students will get hands-on with nature and never be the same! High school and middle school students love coming to Black Rock Retreat for a school field trip because they get to learn outside in a very hands-on way. We even have special preschool and elementary school field trip activities.
More than just a science field trip in Lancaster County, students will never forget their time learning about the outdoors in beautiful Pennsylvania woodlands at our outdoor education camp/center!
How to get started:
- Check out our info for school leaders
- Discuss your goals with us: Call (717) 529-3232 or email us
- Let us plan your one, two, or three day field trip for you!
"Black Rock Retreat is amazing! The kids will have these memories to carry with them on their journey in life."Administrator from Maryland
What Do We Do?
Our outdoor education field trips and retreats are designed with your school in mind. We provide a variety of interactive outdoor classes and activities that make use of our 100 acres of PA woodlands. Students from all backgrounds and learning styles will discover an experience full of adventure and excitement. They'll enjoy a time of adventure and hands-on learning as they participate in science education. Check out our new interactive 3-D science display at our nature center! We've got a "digital sandbox" where students will gain first-hand experience with the science of topography. They'll also see how watersheds work in this unique interactive display.
Who Do We Serve?
The Outdoor Education program at Black Rock serves the following with outdoor education courses and activities designed specifically to meet the needs of your students.
- Public schools
- Christian schools
- Private schools
- Homeschool groups
- Preschools
- Elementary schools
We’re conveniently located in Lancaster County, PA… a short drive from Philadelphia, Baltimore, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware (see driving directions here).
Call (717) 529-3232 or email us.
Looking to support kids through our non-profit? Check out Black Rock Retreat’s Amazon Wish List.
"Black Rock Retreat is amazing! The kids will have these memories to carry with them on their journey in life."School Administrator from Maryland
Our Location
Our retreat center in Pennsylvania is conveniently located near Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington DC, New York City, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware. Only :30 from Interstate 95 and :50 from the PA Turnpike, we're both secluded and easily accessible.
Approximate Driving Times:
- Philadelphia, PA - 1:10
- Baltimore, MD - 1:10
- Harrisburg, PA - 1:10
- Washington, DC - 1:50
- New York City (NYC) - 2:30
- Pocono Mountains - 2:20
- Wilmington, DE - :50
- Dover, DE - 1:20
- Allentown, PA - 1:40
- Trenton, NJ - 2:00
- Atlantic City, NJ - 2:00
- Hagerstown, MD - 2:10