The Northern Chumash school group program takes a hands-on approach in learning about the ancestral past of the Northern Chumash tribe. Students rotate through a series of stations where they deepen their understating for the Northern Chumash and discover the importance the natural world played in providing an abundance of resources for the Northern Chumash tribe for nearly 10,000 years. Most activities for this field trip take place outdoors. Please take weather into consideration. Depending on group size, rain may cancel this field trip. In the event of a cancellation due to rain, Park staff can come to your class to teach or virtual teaching options can be made available.
- Activity 1, Hands-on activities: Make acorn mush, play Northern Chumash games, create rock art
- Activity 2, Lagoon Walk: Nature walk around Oceano Lagoon. Learn about native plants and their uses and discover many more natural resources utilized by the Northern Chumash along the Oceano Lagoon.
- Activity 3, Life in the Village: This indoor talk includes a variety of Northern Chumash replicas which are used to discuss topics including music, tools, village life, and much more.
The Northern Chumash Program is designed to complement a unit of study with three 30-minute rotations led by park docents and staff. For more information about the Northern Chumash Program field trip, contact Michelle Claassen, by email at michelle.claassen@parks.ca.gov or by phone at 805-556-2003.
Age group: 3rd grade studying local Native Americans
Group size: 60 students
Dates: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays in October, March, April, and May
Time: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Location: Oceano Dunes District Visitor Center