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Wild L.A.: Introduction to Camping

Wild L.A.: Introduction to Camping at NHM 

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Join us for a night filled with camping activities, nature, and fun-- all hosted in the museum Nature Gardens! We welcome first-time campers for a campout in the gardens, learn the basics of camping, explore the gardens on a night hike, and meet museum scientists who study bats, bugs, and other wildlife. We also share L.A. nature stories while we roast marshmallows over the campfire. 

This campout is a program of the Wild L.A.: Explore the Amazing Nature In and Around L.A. grant-funded program* and is co-hosted with Community Partners from Self Help Graphics & Art, IMPACTO, and Latino Outdoors. 

Waiver form

If you are interested in attending the campout, complete the form below to sign-up for our event waitlist by Friday, March 22nd. 

This program is exclusively for Community Partners from Self Help Graphics & Art and IMPACTO. 

What is provided: 

  • Parking 
  • Camping gear (tent, sleep bag & sleeping pad) 
  • Water bottle
  • Flashlight 
  • Meals: 
    • Saturday: Dinner, snacks, s’mores by the campfire 
    • Sunday: Continental breakfast 

What you should bring: 

  • Change of clothes. We recommend dressing in layers as weather conditions may change throughout the day. 
  • Personal items: toiletries, medications, etc. 

Tentative schedule: 

Saturday, March 23 

  • Arrive at NHM, set up camp 
  • Dinner 
  • Introduction to Camping by Latino Outdoors 
  • Nature Night Hike 
  • S’mores by the campfire 

Sunday, March 24 

  • Breakfast & tent breakdown 
  • Reflection activity led by Self Help Graphics & Art 
  • End of camp out! Your group will be provided with NHMLA admission passes and will be welcome to explore the Museum after the event concludes.  

Check out a video and photos from previous years! 

Camp Out

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

The Camp Out at NHM welcomes Community Partners to engage with Museum experts on nature in L.A. and how the can explore wild L.A.! Pictured here is Lila Higgin, Senior Manager of Community Science and participants from KFAM.

person assembling tent

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Participants are provided with tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads as part of the program. First-time campers are provided with help from Museum staff on how to assemble tents.

Participants from Black Girls Trekkin', Korean American Family Services gather around a campfire

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

First-time campers gather around the campfire and engage in an introduction to camping, absorbing essential tips and techniques for venturing into the great outdoors.

Person displaying bats at night event

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Participants tap into the nocturnal realm with Miguel Ordenana, wildlife biologist and Senior Manager of Community Engagement, as he shares the science of bat detection.

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The Camp Out at NHM welcomes Community Partners to engage with Museum experts on nature in L.A. and how the can explore wild L.A.! Pictured here is Lila Higgin, Senior Manager of Community Science and participants from KFAM.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Participants are provided with tents, sleeping bags, and sleeping pads as part of the program. First-time campers are provided with help from Museum staff on how to assemble tents.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

First-time campers gather around the campfire and engage in an introduction to camping, absorbing essential tips and techniques for venturing into the great outdoors.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Participants tap into the nocturnal realm with Miguel Ordenana, wildlife biologist and Senior Manager of Community Engagement, as he shares the science of bat detection.

Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

Questions? 

Contact us at mjimenez@nhm.org or community@nhm.org

*This program is funded by the Outdoor Equity Grants Program, created through AB 209 and administered by California State Parks, Office of Grants, and Local Services.