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

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…

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Christian Schools

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…

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Homeschool Programs at Black Rock Retreat

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…

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Preschool and Elementary Programming

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…

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One Day Field Trips

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…

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Professional Development Training for Teachers

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…

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School Leader Info & Forms

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…

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Info for Parents & Chaperones

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…

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Outdoor Education Testimonials

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…

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Frequently Asked Questions

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…

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Click here to request more info »

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:

  1. Check out our info for school leaders
  2. Discuss your goals with us: Call (717) 529-3232 or email us
  3. 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?

Building a Fire During Outdoor Education CoursesThe Outdoor Education program at Black Rock serves the following with outdoor education courses and activities designed specifically to meet the needs of your students.

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.

Click here to request more info »
"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
Get driving directions »

FAQs About Outdoor Education at Black Rock

Are these field trips half-day, day-long, or overnight?

Any of those are available options! Our outdoor learning program can be customized to your needs. We can accommodate for all of those lengths of field trips: half-day, day-long, and overnight field trips up to 3 days.

Is this a science field trip in Lancaster County, PA?

It’s more than just a science field trip. It’s a hands-on experience where students get to learn about and interact with all that nature has to offer at Black Rock Retreat center. Learn more.

Where do I sign up?

How to get started:

  1. Check out our info for school leaders
  2. Discuss your goals with us: Call (717) 529-3232 or email us
  3. Let us plan your one, two, or three-day field trip for you!
Where can I find more answers?

There are several options:

What is there for students to do during free time?

There are several options for students during free time. The playground area, including the basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, and gaga courts are all available (see some photos). If your students want to go to the ball field, on a hike, or to the creek they will need to have an adult with them.

What food is available for someone with special dietary needs?

If you (or your student) are a vegetarian or have specific allergies, there is still food available! The sooner you let us know your specific needs, the better equipped our kitchen staff will be to serve you.

You can email us with any questions or concerns about dietary needs.