The Paicines Ranch Expedition is a transformative five-day experience led by Mountain Goat Movement in partnership with conservation leaders. Set on a regenerative working ranch outside of San Francisco, California, students will explore themes of sustainability, leadership, and land stewardship through immersive outdoor activities. From hiking through rolling hills to hands-on learning with ranchers and scientists, this journey connects young people to the land and a sense of purpose.
Check out our article on the Paicines Ranch for more information
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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.
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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.
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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.)
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Inquire Within
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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.
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.
(WE CAN ADD MORE)
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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