Frequently asked questions
Where is Thousand Pines Outdoor Science School located, and what is it like?
Our physical address is:
359 Thousand Pines Rd
Crestline, CA 92325
AOE is located in Southern California within the beautiful San Bernardino National Forest at about 5000 feet elevation. What began as a donation of ten acres in 1938 has now developed into over 250 acres of property. We are a private facility that is closed to the public. Some of our notable features are “Inspiration Point” which overlooks Lake Gregory; “Mama Oak,” an oak tree that is older than the United States; and a spectacular view of Mount Baldy.
What are the lodging conditions?
All cabins at Thousand Pines include private toilet and sink facilities. Most cabins also have private showers, and cabins that do not have showers inside are within a few hundred feet of a shower house, with multiple individual and private showers. All cabins include heaters and lockable doors.
What kind of wildlife is there?
There are 71 threatened or endangered wildlife species in the San Bernardino National Forest, many of which are hard to spot. Most frequently sighted are the gray squirrel; mule deer; lizards; and a variety of birds such as the scrub jay, Stellar’s jay, acorn woodpecker, mountain quail, and mountain chickadee. In the area, but rarely seen, are coyotes and brown bears.
How do I connect with my child?
We suggest sending mail to your child, and please be aware that delivery may take longer due to our rural location. We suggest sending mail at least 5 days prior to your child’s arrival date. Mail should include the street address as well as our PO Box to ensure it arrives promptly. It may be addressed as follows:
Student’s First and Last Name
Name of Student’s School
Thousand Pines Outdoor Science School
359 Thousand Pines Rd
PO Box 3288
Crestline, CA 92325
Outgoing mail may also be sent. If so, please send an envelope, stamp, and mailing address with them.
You can also connect directly with the school or teachers, as well as looking at the property through the webcam attached to the office roof: https://www.thousandpines.com/webcam
Camp Map
Trail Map
Directions to Thousand Pines
Directions to Thousand Pines
359 Thousand Pines Road Crestline, CA 92325
From Interstate 210, exit Waterman Ave. and travel north.
Proceed along Highway 18 (towards and up the mountain) approximately 15 miles, to the Highway 138/Crestline cutoff.
Take Highway 138 to Crestline (approximately 2 miles). At the 5-way intersection, proceed straight across the intersection, following the signs to Lake Gregory. Do not veer left back on the 138.
At the next stop sign, just a 1/4 mile or so, turn left (Fern Drive). This street becomes Lake Drive.
Follow the yellow line on Lake Drive down into the lower part of Crestline and through town a bit. Look for California Bank on your left and slow down to make a left.
Turn left onto Thousand Pines Road (it intersects Lake Drive across the street from Ace Hardware). Follow the yellow line up Thousand Pines Road into the camp (approximately 1/2 mile).
Take the “center” entrance where the sign says “Conference Center” and then park in the main parking lot.
Directions to St. Bernardine’s Medical Center, San Bernardino from Thousand Pines (approximately 14 miles and 30 minutes)
2101 N. Waterman Ave. San Bernardino 92404 (909) 336-3651
Head south on Thousand Pines Road. Turn right on Lake Drive. Follow the double yellow line to stay on Lake Drive. Make sure to turn right at the point where it becomes Fern Drive (turn right at the dentist office). Continue straight and Lake Drive becomes Highway 138. Drive on Highway 38 for one mile.
Merge onto Highway 18 South towards San Bernardino (bear left). Drive on Highway 18 for nine miles. At the bottom of the mountain Highway 18 becomes Waterman Avenue.
Continue on Waterman Avenue for another 2.5 miles. St. Bernardine’s will be on the SE corner of Waterman and Highland (on the left, just past Highland).
Internet
The computer and printer are set up for you.
The wireless internet connection should be named “TP Guest”.
The password is: 9093382705 which is the phone number for the camp.
If this internet is not working, please let us know. There is also wireless internet available in the Dining Hall and throughout the camp if you need.
Teacher Expectations
Monday/Tuesday (first day):
Lunch/Dinner
Calling parents
Student illness/ disciplinary issues
Emergency meeting in upper field at 1:45pm
School photo immediately following emergency meeting
Tuesday (only if second day):
Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Morning meeting
Calling parents
Student illness/ disciplinary issues
Wednesday:
Breakfast/Dinner
Morning meeting
Calling parents
Student illness/ disciplinary issues
Teacher lunch at 12:30pm at the Malt Shop
(Food allergies, # of people attending, Dietary concerns)
Animal presentation @3:45pm. Assist in keeping your students quiet for the presentation.
Thursday:
Breakfast/Dinner
Morning meeting/ Pass out end of the week evaluations for teachers.
Calling parents
Student illness/ disciplinary issues
Student Evaluations at 4:30-5:15pm in the Dining Hall. Receive your student's journals at this time.
Teacher evaluations (please leave your keys, name badges, evaluations and rebooking form in the envelope on the coffee table before you leave for Breakfast on Friday)
Friday:
Breakfast
Morning meeting
Student illness/ disciplinary issues
Student signatures at 9:45am in Jensen
Jeopardy to follow
Student medications available after 10am
Online Resources
We have several online resources for you and your parents. WEBSITE • thousandpinesoutdoored.com Our website includes information about our program, curriculum, and facilities, including a video designed to help parents understand those things. It also has directions to give your principal or parents, forms for parents and for you, and a page about our staff recruitment – just in case you know anyone you’d recommend. BLOG • thousandpinesoutdoored.com/blog Updated daily, usually late in the morning, this blog can be a tool to help students learn about the program before they come, or to help reassure parents about what their children are doing during the week. The blog will also include a note about the webcam time – students will be visible at a specific time for your parents’ enjoyment and peace of mind. YOUTUBE • youtube.com/ThousandPinesOutdoor This has our promotional video, as well a playlist of videos useful to the staff: science videos including botany, birds, geology, astronomy, and more, as well as some of our favorite camp songs. FACEBOOK • facebook.com/ThousandPinesOutdoorEd We’re all on facebook anyway, so we decided that the company should be too. Pictures, updates, and fun. Check it out. Maybe review us too. TWITTER • twitter.com/TpinesOutdoorEd Some cross-posts from facebook, but our twitter account also includes its own pictures and updates. Tweet at us from your school or classroom accounts!