About: Nestled in the heart of San Benito County, California among the sweeping oak-studded hillsides, Paicines Ranch is habitat for a diversity of wildlife including animals, birds, insects, trees, plants, grasses, springs, rivers, and much more. Our mission is to work with the dynamic natural world at the ranch to regenerate the health of the ecosystem from the soil up while growing delicious, nourishing food for our community.

Lodging: Lodging consists of an assortment of cottages, full-kitchen houses, and private rooms with endless landscapes. It’s spacious enough to accommodate large groups, while providing the ultimate in privacy for your celebration. Learn more here.

Learn More about the 8,000 acres of Paicines Ranch here.

Students have the opportunity to go hiking, mountain biking, and cook with professional chefs. Moreover they will become agricultural explorers, conducting real soil tests and investigating the hidden life beneath their feet. They'll observe wildlife, analyze ecosystems, and learn how farmers are using nature as a guide for food production. Hands-on experience with livestock will bring to life the very principles of the system behind our ecosystem. Each day builds toward a deeper understanding of how land, animals, and people work together in regenerative systems. By the end of the trip, students will leave with a renewed sense of leadership, purpose, and connection to the land.

Activities include: mountain biking, hiking, cooking, reflections and retreat, and curriculum-based learning.

Paicines Ranch Educational Itinerary

For High School Students and Teachers
Flexible 4–5 Day Experiential Program

🏡 About Paicines Ranch

Paicines Ranch is a working regenerative ranch that welcomes student groups to explore the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and leadership. The ranch can accommodate up to 250 guests across a variety of on-site cabins and historic homes, making it ideal for large student groups and faculty/staff chaperones.

All accommodations are within walking distance of educational spaces, dining areas, and field learning locations.

🛬 Day 1: Welcome to the Ranch — Play, Explore & Connect

Theme: Orientation + Outdoor Team Building

• Morning:

  • Arrival, check-in, and ranch orientation

  • Mountain Biking Tour through vineyard paths and scenic rangeland

    • Bike setup, safety session, and trail groupings by skill level

• Midday:

  • Lunch picnic under the oaks

  • Exploration of ranch trails and self-reflection journaling

• Afternoon:

  • Team-Building Games on open fields:

    • Capture-the-flag, tug-of-war, ultimate frisbee

  • Focus on collaboration, fun, and outdoor play

• Evening:

  • Campfire introduction with ranch staff

  • Guided reflection circle: “What are you curious to discover here?”

🌱 Day 2: Soil Life + Healthy Ecosystems

Morning:
🔬 "Underground Explorers: Life Beneath Our Feet"

• Field science investigations:

  • Soil temperature and water infiltration testing

  • Brix readings for plant sugar content

  • Microscopic analysis of soil microorganisms

Learning Outcomes:

• Soil health metrics and testing techniques

• Regenerative agricultural insights from real-world observation

• Developing a scientific mindset for natural systems

• Reflection Time:
  Field journaling: “What lives beneath our feet?”

Afternoon:
🌿 "Living Networks: Nature’s Food Web"

• Wildlife tracking (scat, feathers, tracks)

• Plant community mapping

• Explore how regenerative practices support biodiversity

Learning Outcomes:

• Ecological observation techniques

• Food web awareness in agricultural landscapes

• Storytelling from field notes

• Guided Reflection:
  Small-group discussion: “How does nature build relationships?”

🐄 Day 3: Animals in the Field — Hooves & Habitat

Theme: Holistic Planned Grazing

• Morning with livestock and ranchers:

  • Hands-on herding or observation of grazing rotations

  • Learn how animals support land regeneration

• Student “Grazing Strategy” Simulation:

  • Landscape health assessment

  • Team planning of a grazing rotation schedule

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand animal-land interactions

• Learn the principles of rotational grazing

• Practice collaborative decision-making

• Reflection Time:
  Quiet sit-spot followed by creative reflection: draw, write, sketch

🍽️ Day 4: Eating Is an Agricultural Act — Growing Together

Theme: Leadership, Food Systems & Personal Vision

• Visit to gardens or food growing areas

• Workshop: "The Story of Your Food"

  • Sustainable agriculture, climate, and equity discussions

  • Group cooking or food sharing experience

• Afternoon:
  🌄 "Finding Your Peak in Regenerative Leadership"

  • Action plan creation: How will I lead change?

  • Peer mentoring & storytelling sessions

  • Student presentations and vision sharing

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand food as a systems issue

• Create personal action plans

• Practice communication and leadership

• Evening:
  Celebration dinner + closing campfire with final reflections

✨ Day 5 (Optional): Farewell & Legacy

Morning:

• Gentle sunrise walk or yoga

• Legacy activity:

  • Plant a tree, create a mural, or contribute to a shared memory capsule

• Final reflection circle: “What do you want to take back home?”

Midday:

• Farewell brunch

• Departure

✂️ Condensed 4-Day Version Available:
Leadership and celebration elements from Day 4 can be blended into Day 3 to allow for a 4-day program that maintains all essential learning and reflective experiences.

🔁 Program Essentials

• Accommodations: 250-person capacity in on-site ranch homes and cabins

• Self & Guided Reflection: Embedded throughout each day to support personal growth and critical thinking

• Customizable: Optional excursions and adaptable scheduling available

🏞️ Optional Add-On:
Groups can include a day trip to Pinnacles National Park for hiking, geology, and outdoor ecology. This visit is not part of the core itinerary but can be easily arranged as a supplemental adventure.

Clothing:

• 3–4 base layer t-shirts (moisture-wicking, not cotton)

• 2 thermal/long-sleeve base layers

• 2 fleece or wool mid-layers (crewneck, hoodie, or pullover)

• 1 insulated jacket or puffy (mornings/evenings get cold)

• 1 durable rain jacket or waterproof shell (essential)

• 2 pairs of durable pants (jeans or hiking pants)

• 4 pairs of warm, wool or synthetic socks

• 1 beanie or warm hat

• 1 baseball cap or sun hat (for daytime sun)

• Gloves (lightweight work gloves or fleece gloves)

• Undergarments for 4 days

• Sleepwear (warm and layered—think hoodie and joggers)

• Sunglasses

Footwear:

• 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots or durable closed-toe shoes

• 1 pair of comfortable shoes/slip-ons for indoor/down time

• Flip-flops or shower sandals (for communal areas)

Gear:

• Daypack or small backpack

• Reusable water bottle (32 oz+)

• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

• Insect repellent (optional)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen (UV is still there in February)

• Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)

Inquire Within

1. MAP OF HEADQUARTERS

   MAP OF HEADQUARTERS

   Please use this MAP of HEADQUARTERS to help you know where to go for meeting spaces, lodging and meals.

2. MEALS & MEETING SPACE

   Paicines Ranch Chef Maggie and team will be preparing delicious, locally-sourced meals featuring products from the NoRegrets Portfolio pantry. Meals are served at the Overlook Kitchen & Dining Hall with both indoor and outdoor seating available.

   Programming happens at our Event Center Barn & Awning (or occasionally Club 25) with time spent outdoors and on field walks out on the land.

3. (WE CAN ADD MORE)

This journey to Paicines Ranch deeply reflects the spirit of Laudato Si, Pope Francis’s call to care for our common home. By engaging directly with regenerative farming, ecological restoration, and ethical land stewardship, students witness how integral ecology unites care for the earth with care for people. Rooted in the Jesuit mission, this trip invites reflection, hands-on learning, and a deeper commitment to justice. It empowers students to become leaders who act with discernment, compassion, and a reverence for creation.

Pope Francis’s 7 Goals of Laudato Si

• Response to the Cry of the Earth

  We enforce human-powered travel and mountain-bike activities, while minimizing vehicle use and preserving ranch ecosystems. The Paicines Ranch is the response to the Earth’s Cry, fighting each day to create vegetation that heals old wounds.

• Response to the Cry of the Poor

  We offer subsidized educational programming to underserved youth, ensuring equitable access to nature and environmental education.

• Ecological Economics

  Supporting Paicines Ranch’s certified‑organic agriculture and sourcing eco-friendly gear, favoring local, sustainable suppliers.

• Adoption of Sustainable Lifestyles

  Enforcing a zero-waste policy on trip - participants use reusable bottles and containers, divert compost, and avoid single-use plastics.

• Ecological Education

  Blending outdoor science with reflections and discussions prompted by Laudato Si’, paired with hands-on workshops in habitat restoration and wildlife awareness.

• Ecological Spirituality

  Incorporating moments of guided reflection, mindful nature walks, and evening contemplation on the ranch to deepen spiritual connection with creation.

• Community Engagement & Participatory Action

  Designing team-based conservation activities and community stewardship projects - like native planting - that foster collaboration and shared responsibility.

About: Nestled in the heart of San Benito County, California among the sweeping oak-studded hillsides, Paicines Ranch is habitat for a diversity of wildlife including animals, birds, insects, trees, plants, grasses, springs, rivers, and much more. Our mission is to work with the dynamic natural world at the ranch to regenerate the health of the ecosystem from the soil up while growing delicious, nourishing food for our community.

Lodging: Lodging consists of an assortment of cottages, full-kitchen houses, and private rooms with endless landscapes. It’s spacious enough to accommodate large groups, while providing the ultimate in privacy for your celebration. Learn more here.

Learn More about the 8,000 acres of Paicines Ranch here.

Students have the opportunity to go hiking, mountain biking, and cook with professional chefs. Moreover they will become agricultural explorers, conducting real soil tests and investigating the hidden life beneath their feet. They'll observe wildlife, analyze ecosystems, and learn how farmers are using nature as a guide for food production. Hands-on experience with livestock will bring to life the very principles of the system behind our ecosystem. Each day builds toward a deeper understanding of how land, animals, and people work together in regenerative systems. By the end of the trip, students will leave with a renewed sense of leadership, purpose, and connection to the land.

Activities include: mountain biking, hiking, cooking, reflections and retreat, and curriculum-based learning.

Paicines Ranch Educational Itinerary

For High School Students and Teachers
Flexible 4–5 Day Experiential Program

🏡 About Paicines Ranch

Paicines Ranch is a working regenerative ranch that welcomes student groups to explore the intersection of ecology, agriculture, and leadership. The ranch can accommodate up to 250 guests across a variety of on-site cabins and historic homes, making it ideal for large student groups and faculty/staff chaperones.

All accommodations are within walking distance of educational spaces, dining areas, and field learning locations.

🛬 Day 1: Welcome to the Ranch — Play, Explore & Connect

Theme: Orientation + Outdoor Team Building

• Morning:

  • Arrival, check-in, and ranch orientation

  • Mountain Biking Tour through vineyard paths and scenic rangeland

    • Bike setup, safety session, and trail groupings by skill level

• Midday:

  • Lunch picnic under the oaks

  • Exploration of ranch trails and self-reflection journaling

• Afternoon:

  • Team-Building Games on open fields:

    • Capture-the-flag, tug-of-war, ultimate frisbee

  • Focus on collaboration, fun, and outdoor play

• Evening:

  • Campfire introduction with ranch staff

  • Guided reflection circle: “What are you curious to discover here?”

🌱 Day 2: Soil Life + Healthy Ecosystems

Morning:
🔬 "Underground Explorers: Life Beneath Our Feet"

• Field science investigations:

  • Soil temperature and water infiltration testing

  • Brix readings for plant sugar content

  • Microscopic analysis of soil microorganisms

Learning Outcomes:

• Soil health metrics and testing techniques

• Regenerative agricultural insights from real-world observation

• Developing a scientific mindset for natural systems

• Reflection Time:
  Field journaling: “What lives beneath our feet?”

Afternoon:
🌿 "Living Networks: Nature’s Food Web"

• Wildlife tracking (scat, feathers, tracks)

• Plant community mapping

• Explore how regenerative practices support biodiversity

Learning Outcomes:

• Ecological observation techniques

• Food web awareness in agricultural landscapes

• Storytelling from field notes

• Guided Reflection:
  Small-group discussion: “How does nature build relationships?”

🐄 Day 3: Animals in the Field — Hooves & Habitat

Theme: Holistic Planned Grazing

• Morning with livestock and ranchers:

  • Hands-on herding or observation of grazing rotations

  • Learn how animals support land regeneration

• Student “Grazing Strategy” Simulation:

  • Landscape health assessment

  • Team planning of a grazing rotation schedule

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand animal-land interactions

• Learn the principles of rotational grazing

• Practice collaborative decision-making

• Reflection Time:
  Quiet sit-spot followed by creative reflection: draw, write, sketch

🍽️ Day 4: Eating Is an Agricultural Act — Growing Together

Theme: Leadership, Food Systems & Personal Vision

• Visit to gardens or food growing areas

• Workshop: "The Story of Your Food"

  • Sustainable agriculture, climate, and equity discussions

  • Group cooking or food sharing experience

• Afternoon:
  🌄 "Finding Your Peak in Regenerative Leadership"

  • Action plan creation: How will I lead change?

  • Peer mentoring & storytelling sessions

  • Student presentations and vision sharing

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand food as a systems issue

• Create personal action plans

• Practice communication and leadership

• Evening:
  Celebration dinner + closing campfire with final reflections

✨ Day 5 (Optional): Farewell & Legacy

Morning:

• Gentle sunrise walk or yoga

• Legacy activity:

  • Plant a tree, create a mural, or contribute to a shared memory capsule

• Final reflection circle: “What do you want to take back home?”

Midday:

• Farewell brunch

• Departure

✂️ Condensed 4-Day Version Available:
Leadership and celebration elements from Day 4 can be blended into Day 3 to allow for a 4-day program that maintains all essential learning and reflective experiences.

🔁 Program Essentials

• Accommodations: 250-person capacity in on-site ranch homes and cabins

• Self & Guided Reflection: Embedded throughout each day to support personal growth and critical thinking

• Customizable: Optional excursions and adaptable scheduling available

🏞️ Optional Add-On:
Groups can include a day trip to Pinnacles National Park for hiking, geology, and outdoor ecology. This visit is not part of the core itinerary but can be easily arranged as a supplemental adventure.

Clothing:

• 3–4 base layer t-shirts (moisture-wicking, not cotton)

• 2 thermal/long-sleeve base layers

• 2 fleece or wool mid-layers (crewneck, hoodie, or pullover)

• 1 insulated jacket or puffy (mornings/evenings get cold)

• 1 durable rain jacket or waterproof shell (essential)

• 2 pairs of durable pants (jeans or hiking pants)

• 4 pairs of warm, wool or synthetic socks

• 1 beanie or warm hat

• 1 baseball cap or sun hat (for daytime sun)

• Gloves (lightweight work gloves or fleece gloves)

• Undergarments for 4 days

• Sleepwear (warm and layered—think hoodie and joggers)

• Sunglasses

Footwear:

• 1 pair of waterproof hiking boots or durable closed-toe shoes

• 1 pair of comfortable shoes/slip-ons for indoor/down time

• Flip-flops or shower sandals (for communal areas)

Gear:

• Daypack or small backpack

• Reusable water bottle (32 oz+)

• Headlamp or flashlight (with extra batteries)

• Insect repellent (optional)

• Sunglasses

• Sunscreen (UV is still there in February)

• Toiletries (biodegradable soap, toothbrush, etc.)

Inquire Within

1. MAP OF HEADQUARTERS

   MAP OF HEADQUARTERS

   Please use this MAP of HEADQUARTERS to help you know where to go for meeting spaces, lodging and meals.

2. MEALS & MEETING SPACE

   Paicines Ranch Chef Maggie and team will be preparing delicious, locally-sourced meals featuring products from the NoRegrets Portfolio pantry. Meals are served at the Overlook Kitchen & Dining Hall with both indoor and outdoor seating available.

   Programming happens at our Event Center Barn & Awning (or occasionally Club 25) with time spent outdoors and on field walks out on the land.

3. (WE CAN ADD MORE)

This unique program integrates the DofE’s essential journey framework with hands-on exposure to land stewardship, systems thinking, and team leadership, all set within the stunning natural landscapes of California’s Central Coast.

Through a collaboration with Mountain Goat Movement, we’ve designed a curriculum-aligned adventure that meets and elevates the requirements of the Bronze, Silver, and Gold DofE Awards.

🎯 Why Paicines Ranch?

• Authentic Wilderness Setting
  Oak forests, rangelands, croplands, and vineyards offer diverse terrain for navigation, self-reliance, and purposeful exploration.

• Sustainable Purpose
  Participants engage with regenerative farming practices, soil health monitoring, and climate resilience—embedding a real-world purpose into their journey goals.

• World-Class Learning Environment
  The Paicines Ranch Learning Center and Mountain Goat Movement team provide pre-training, campcraft, supervision, and access to agricultural experts, ensuring safety, skill-building, and inspiration.

🧭 Journey Structure

✔️ Aligned with DofE Requirements

Paicines Ranch Delivers:

Unfamiliar Environment: Students navigate open rangelands, oak-covered hills, and vineyard corridors

Teamwork & Leadership: Small teams plan routes, set up camp, and cook self-sufficiently

Purposeful Goal: Sample goal: “Investigate how rotational grazing impacts biodiversity and soil health over 10 acres”

Training & Preparation: Pre-journey training in navigation, first aid, Leave No Trace, and regenerative land use

Presentation: Each team delivers a final reflection and report with map annotations, group insights, and ecological learnings

About: The Adirondack Park in northern New York is the largest publicly protected area in the contiguous United States, spanning over 6 million acres—larger than Yellowstone, Everglades, Glacier, and Grand Canyon National Parks combined. Established in 1892, it was one of the first places in the U.S. to be preserved as “forever wild,” protecting mountains, forests, and lakes under the New York State Constitution. The park is unique in combining protected wilderness with private communities, and it is home to the iconic 46 High Peaks, rich biodiversity, and countless outdoor recreation opportunities. Today, it remains a model of balancing conservation with human access, drawing millions of visitors each year for hiking, paddling, and exploration.

This trip is spearheaded by Greg Morrissey, founder of Mountain Goat Movement. Greg is an explorer, Wilderness First Responder, and celebrated educator who has led more than 1,000 students on trips to the Adirondacks. His expertise in outdoor leadership, student engagement, and backcountry safety ensures that all participants have a meaningful, educational, and safe experience.

Supporting Greg will be BIS staff and professional Adirondack guides, who will accompany students on hikes, paddling, and daily programs.

Thursday, June 11 — Travel & Arrival

• Depart BIS by coach bus in the morning.

• Lunch: stop en route (students may bring a packed lunch or purchase food).

• Afternoon: Arrive at Adirondack Loj / Heart Lake area, check in, and set up tents at the group campsite.

• Orientation & safety briefing. Light hike around Heart Lake (1.1 mi).

• 6:15 p.m.: Dinner at Adirondack Loj dining hall.

• Evening: Group activities, campfire, reflection. Quiet hours at 10:00 p.m.

Friday, June 12 — High Peak Hike

• 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast at the Loj.

• Full-day hike of a High Peak, dependent on conditions. Options include:

  • Mount Marcy (highest in NY, ~14.8 mi round trip)

  • Algonquin Peak (~8.6 mi)

  • Mount Colden (~12.6 mi)

  • Phelps Mountain (~8.8 mi)

  • Tabletop Mountain (~11.2 mi)

• Lunch: trail lunches.

• Return mid-afternoon, rest, optional swim in Heart Lake (with supervision).

• 6:15 p.m.: Dinner at the Loj.

• Evening reflection and optional naturalist program.

Saturday, June 13 — Paddling & Mount Jo

• 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast.

• Morning paddling session on Heart Lake (canoes, kayaks, SUPs).

• Mid-morning: Heart Lake interpretive walk (1.1 mi).

• Lunch at the Loj.

• Afternoon hike: Mount Jo (~2.6 miles round trip, 710 ft gain). A shorter, rewarding climb with panoramic views of Heart Lake, Mount Marcy, and Algonquin.

• Return for rest and downtime.

• 6:15 p.m.: Dinner at the Loj.

• Evening: Group activity, reflection, or naturalist program.

Sunday, June 14 — Sunrise & Departure

• Optional sunrise walk to Heart Lake shoreline.

• 7:00–8:00 a.m.: Breakfast.

• Break down camp, clean up, pack gear.

• Depart mid-morning for BIS (lunch stop en route).

• Evening return.

Students should be prepared for variable Adirondack weather (sun, rain, chilly nights, black fly season).

Clothing:

• Moisture-wicking shirts (short + long sleeve)

• Fleece or warm insulating layer

• Waterproof rain jacket with hood

• Quick-dry pants + shorts

• Warm sleepwear

• Hiking socks (wool/synthetic) + extras

• Hat, gloves, sun hat

• Swimsuit (optional for Heart Lake)

Footwear:

• Sturdy hiking boots (broken in, waterproof recommended)

• Camp shoes/sandals

• Optional water shoes

Camping gear:

• Sleeping bag (20–30°F rated)

• Sleeping pad

• Headlamp/flashlight + batteries

• Daypack (20–30L)

• Large duffel/backpack for personal items

• 2–3 liters of water capacity

Personal items:

• Toiletries + towel

• Bug repellent + head net (essential in June)

• Sunscreen + SPF lip balm

• Hand sanitizer & wipes

• Medications (staff informed)

• Dry bags / Ziplocs

• Mess kit (bowl, cup, utensils)

• Snacks (optional)

Included:

• Round-trip coach bus transport from BIS to Adirondack Loj

• Breakfast(x3) and dinner (x1)at the Loj (excluding bus travel days)

• Camping permits & campsite fees

• Insurance coverage

• Guides + BIS staff leadership on hikes and activities

• Pre-trip planning and safety coordination

Not included:

• Personal snacks

• Personal gear (clothing, boots, sleeping bag/pad, etc.)

• Meals during bus travel

• 2 dehydrated dinners for teachers, guides, and students (covered by BIS-NY)

• Trail Etiquette & Safety: Students will be taught Leave No Trace principles, hiking in buddy groups, proper hydration, wildlife safety, and summit protocols. Leaders will carry first aid kits, communication devices, and emergency action plans.

• Medical Access:

  • Adirondack Medical Center (Saranac Lake) — ~25 miles from ADK Loj (≈35 min drive).

  • Elizabethtown Community Hospital — ~40 miles (≈50 min drive).

  • In case of emergencies, local EMS and DEC Forest Rangers are trained in backcountry rescue.

• Park Rangers & Staff: The High Peaks Information Center (HPIC) at the Adirondack Loj is staffed daily with rangers and ADK personnel who provide trail updates, weather reports, and emergency coordination.

• Infrastructure: The ADK Loj and Heart Lake Campground are well-equipped with restrooms, potable water, dining hall, canoe rentals, and ranger access. The park is designed to provide a safe, educational, and rewarding experience while respecting its wilderness character.

Greg Morrissey, M.A. is the founder of Mountain Goat Movement and a 2024 Top 50 Trailblazing Educator. With over a decade of classroom teaching experience and expertise in designing transformative outdoor education programs, Greg has led thousands of students on domestic and international expeditions. He has raised over $200,000 to make outdoor experiences accessible to financially restricted students and has presented his work at The Explorers Club and the American Alpine Club. As an Arc'teryx NY ambassador, advisory board member for the Next Generation of Explorers, and contributing writer for KAVU, Greg brings both practical classroom experience and thought leadership in experiential education.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this retreat, participants will:

1. Develop actionable strategies for reducing screen dependency in their school communities

2. Design hands-on learning frameworks appropriate for their specific educational contexts

3. Build a network of like-minded educators committed to experiential education

4. Experience firsthand the transformative power of nature-based learning

5. Create implementation plans that satisfy professional development requirements

Professional Development Credits

This retreat qualifies for 18 contact hours of professional development credit, structured as:

• 12 hours: Facilitated think tank sessions and workshops

• 6 hours: Reflective practice and experiential learning activities

Day 1: Wednesday, June 24 - Foundations & Immersion

2:00 PM - Arrival & Welcome

• Check-in to on-site lodging

• Welcome reception with refreshments featuring ranch-raised, grass-fed meats and local produce

• Ranch orientation and safety briefing

3:30 PM - Opening Session: "The State of Student Engagement" Location: Main Meeting Barn

• Introduction to retreat objectives and participant introductions

• Greg Morrissey keynote: "From Screens to Streams: A Decade of Getting Students Outside"

• Data presentation on technology's impact on youth development and learning

• Small group discussions: What challenges are you facing in your school?

5:30 PM - Experiential Session: Sunset Ranch Walk

• Guided 2-mile walk through the oak-studded hillsides

• Introduction to regenerative agriculture principles

• Observation of holistic land management practices

• Discussion: Drawing parallels between ecosystem health and learning environments

7:00 PM - Farm-to-Table Dinner Location: The Overlook Dining Hall

• Dinner featuring ranch-raised meats and organic produce

• Casual networking and relationship building

8:30 PM - Evening Reflection

• Journaling prompt: "What brought me here, and what do I hope to take back?"

• Optional stargazing on the open ranch lands

Day 2: Thursday, June 25 - Deep Dive & Design

7:00 AM - Optional Morning Activities

• Sunrise yoga on the vineyard hill

• Bird watching walk (Paicines Ranch is Audubon Certified Bird-Friendly)

• Coffee and light breakfast available

8:00 AM - Breakfast Location: The Overlook

9:00 AM - Think Tank Session 1: "Understanding the Tech Obsession" Location: Main Meeting Barn

• Presentation on neurological impacts of excessive screen time

• Case studies from schools successfully managing technology integration

• Breakout groups by school level (Elementary, Middle, High School, Administration)

• Discussion: Phone policies, classroom technology boundaries, and cultural shifts

11:00 AM - Hands-On Learning Workshop: "Designing Experiential Curriculum"

• Framework for integrating hands-on learning across disciplines

• Examples from Mountain Goat Movement's programming

• Collaborative curriculum design session

• Tools and resources for implementation

12:30 PM - Lunch Location: The Overlook

1:30 PM - Afternoon Experiential Activities (Choose One Track)

Track A: Regenerative Agriculture Immersion

• Hands-on work with ranch manager Kelly Mulville

• Sheep grazing in the polyculture vineyard

• Soil health demonstrations and carbon sequestration discussion

• Harvesting and food systems connection

Track B: Mountain Biking Adventure

• Guided ride on ranch trails (all skill levels accommodated)

• Equipment provided

• Focus on challenge, resilience, and embodied learning

• Risk management discussion applicable to school programs

Track C: Culinary Connection

• Cooking class using ranch ingredients

• Discussion of food systems and sustainability education

• Preparing elements of tonight's dinner

• Translating culinary education into school settings

4:30 PM - Reconvene: Share & Reflect

• Participants share insights from afternoon activities

• Discussion: "How did it feel to be fully present and phone-free?"

6:00 PM - Think Tank Session 2: "Building Support for Change"

• Strategies for gaining parent buy-in

• Working with administration and school boards

• Funding and resource development for hands-on programs

• Addressing equity and access concerns

7:30 PM - Dinner Under the Stars Location: Vineyard Setting

• Dinner prepared partially by Track C participants

• Guest speaker: Local educator who successfully transformed their program

• Campfire conversation and s'mores

9:00 PM - Evening Option

• Stargazing with astronomy introduction

• Acoustic music gathering

• Personal reflection time

Day 3: Friday, June 26 - Integration & Action Planning

7:00 AM - Sunrise Hike (Optional)

• Moderate 3-mile hike to viewpoint overlooking the ranch

• Guided reflection on the retreat experience

• Coffee and breakfast available upon return

8:30 AM - Breakfast Location: The Overlook

9:30 AM - Think Tank Session 3: "Creating Your Action Plan" Location: Main Meeting Barn

• Review of key learnings from the retreat

• Structured time for individual action planning

• SMART goal development for fall implementation

• Peer feedback and accountability partnerships

11:00 AM - Panel Discussion: "Voices from the Field"

• Mountain Goat Movement alumni (students) share their experiences

• Former participants in hands-on learning programs

• Discussion of long-term impact and student outcomes

12:00 PM - Lunch & Resource Fair Location: The Overlook

• Curriculum materials and program resources available

• Organizations and vendors supporting experiential education

• Networking and information exchange

1:30 PM - Final Experiential Activity: Group Challenge Course

• Collaborative team-building exercises on ranch grounds

• Reflection on leadership and community building

• Discussion: Applying these principles in school culture

3:00 PM - Closing Circle: Commitments & Community

• Participants share one commitment they're making

• Exchange contact information for ongoing support

• Presentation of completion certificates

• Group photo and final reflections

4:00 PM - Departure

• Optional ranch store visit for grass-fed meats and products

• Safe travels and continued connection

Accommodations:

• Restored historic ranch buildings with modern amenities

• Private and shared room options available

• All meals included, featuring ranch-raised meats and organic ingredients

• Common spaces for informal gathering and collaboration

Meeting Spaces:

• Main Meeting Barn: Climate-controlled space for 50+ participants

• The Overlook: Dining hall with panoramic ranch views

• Outdoor gathering spaces throughout the 7,600-acre property

Activities & Amenities:

• Mountain biking trails and equipment

• Hiking trails through diverse ecosystems

• 25-acre organic polyculture vineyard

• Working regenerative agriculture operations

• San Benito River access

• Bird-friendly certified landscape

Pricing Structure

Early Bird (Before March 1, 2026): $1,895 per person
Standard Registration (After March 1): $2,195 per person
Group Rate (3+ from same school): $1,695 per person

Includes:

• All meals from Wednesday dinner through Friday lunch

• Lodging for two nights

• All workshop materials and resources

• Guided activities and equipment

• 18 PD contact hours and certificate of completion

• Access to ongoing Mountain Goat Movement educator network

Not Included:

• Flights to/from California

• Ground transportation to/from Paicines Ranch

• Personal snacks and beverages outside of scheduled meals

• Travel insurance

• Personal equipment or gear

Why Schools Will Pay

This retreat meets professional development requirements through:

1. Aligned Standards: Addresses 21st-century learning skills, student engagement, and wellness initiatives

2. Transferable Learning: Immediately applicable strategies for any subject or grade level

3. Documentation: Detailed PD hours, certificates, and follow-up implementation support

4. Measurable Outcomes: Action plans with clear goals and assessment strategies

5. Cost Effectiveness: Comprehensive multi-day experience comparable to conference attendance

6. Research-Based: Grounded in current educational research on student engagement and learning

Scholarship Opportunities

Limited scholarships available for educators from under-resourced schools. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Tangible Resources:

• Comprehensive curriculum design templates

• Technology management policy examples

• Risk management frameworks for outdoor programs

• Funding and grant resource guide

• Network of 30-50 committed educators

• Digital resource library access

Intangible Growth:

• Renewed passion and purpose in teaching

• Embodied understanding of experiential learning

• Confidence to advocate for program changes

• Connection to nature and self

• Community of practice for ongoing support

"This retreat transformed not just my teaching practice, but my entire approach to education. I returned to my school with concrete plans and the confidence to implement them." - Previous Mountain Goat Movement Program Participant

"The balance of expert input and experiential learning was perfect. I felt renewed, inspired, and equipped with practical tools." - Educator Retreat Attendee

To Register:
Email: greg@mtngoatmvmnt.com
Phone: 908-400-1807

Questions?
Schedule a call with Greg Morrissey to discuss how this retreat can support your school's professional development goals.

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In an era of increasing student disconnection, mental health challenges, and screen dependency, educators need more than theory—they need embodied experiences and practical tools. This retreat offers both. By stepping away from our own devices and into the natural world, we model the change we wish to see in our students.

The future of education requires leaders willing to think differently, act boldly, and prioritize authentic human connection and hands-on learning. This retreat is where that transformation begins.

Join us at Paicines Ranch this June. Your students—and your own well-being—deserve it.