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.
Learning 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