At Nawa, summer school is truly a dynamic learning experience, which has no boundaries. Rather than being confined to a crowded classroom, our students enjoy small student-to-teacher ratios, an active curriculum, and student-teacher relationships that are built on mutual respect.

In addition, each student is able to learn and explore ideas in an encouraging and challenging outdoor environment. Whether learning beside an alpine lake, a meadow, alongside a river, or in the coastal Redwoods, we welcome you to our classroom.

Academic instructors meet with students collectively and individually, seven days per week to guide, motivate and explain each subject. As each student processes and retains information differently, the instruction is catered to each student's learning style.

This dynamic environment is created by blending what is learned from textbooks and research with hands-on, adventure-based learning. The outdoor and rescue challenges are important tools in developing academic skills such as problem solving, and sequential and abstract thinking. This transfers to academic confidence and success.

Students who enroll in a four-week session can earn a total of 15 units.

*Students can earn five units for Physical Education (P.E.), five units for Outdoor First Aid and five units for an academic course.

Students may select courses in language arts, mathematics, social studies, and non-lab sciences. There is some flexibility available in arranging courses. The outdoor and rescue curriculum satisfies P.E. units, while the outdoor first aid curriculum satisfies elective units. Units earned are fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and follow the California State Guidelines. In addition, earned units are transferable to other schools, colleges, and universities. For a complete list of academic summer courses available, click here.

*Note: 5 units= 1 semester of academic credit

Many of our students come to us having not enjoyed the traditional style of Physical Education (P.E.). Often, due to difficulties with processing and sequential thinking, students feel that they are "put on the spot" by their P.E. coach. At Nawa, students earn units in P.E. through outdoor activities and challenges. For example, "dressing out" at Nawa may include putting on a climbing harness and helmet or a swimsuit.

Depending upon the program chosen, students develop skills in rockclimbing, rappelling, caving, backpacking, camping, outdoor food preparation, navigation, and rafting. Training is also provided in backcountry emergencies, and swift water and vertical rescue.

Some of the locations our groups travel into include Lassen Volcanic National Park, Mt. Shasta, Castle Crags, the Trinity Alps and the Coastal Redwoods. Parents are supplied with a summer itinerary during the registration process.

In addition to the many outdoor activities, students gain skills in vertical and swift water rescue. By learning how to organize and lead a simulated rescue, they develop leadership and teamwork skills. It is through the overall experience that students gain more confidence and develop greater skills in sequential and abstract thinking, problem solving, organization and time management. This results in students being more confident and better equipped in school.

Students who satisfy the course requirements will be issued a certificate of completion for the following: Basic Rope Skills, Basic Swift Water Rescue and Outdoor First Aid.

Previous experience is not needed. That's what we're here for, to offer the necessary tools for students to learn the skills.