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The Foothill Campus

Ivie Building on Foothill campus: rustic wooden cabin with stone exterior, surrounded by greenery and dirt path to entrance.

Mission Statement

Foothill Horizons Outdoor school inspires connections to nature and one another. We provide an interactive outdoor science experience, a collaborative learning environment and personal growth opportunities through individual challenges. Foothill Horizons Outdoor School develops respectful global citizens dedicated to stewardship in their communities and beyond.

All facilities meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and have heating and cooling. Chairs and tables are available for your gathering.
Neal E. Wade Outdoor Education Center Foothill Horizons Sign at entrance of property

 

Contact Us

21925 Lyons Bald Mountain
Sonora, CA 95370
(209) 532-6673
foothillhorizons@stancoe.org

 

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The Ivie Building & Conference Rooms

Ivie Building on Foothill campus: rustic wooden cabin with stone exterior, surrounded by greenery and dirt path to entrance.

Ivie Building on Foothill campus

Ivie Foyer at Foothill showing a spacious room with glass display case and open doorway to another room in background

Ivie Building Foyer

A spacious and well-lit classroom with wooden paneling, desks, and chairs arranged in a neat and organized manner, suggesting a learning environment.

Ivie Maple Room, Classroom

Ivie Meadow Room at Foothill with whiteboards, wooden paneling, large windows, ceiling fans, and a fireplace.

Ivie Maple Room & Whiteboards

Ivie Meadow Room at Foothill with whiteboards, wooden paneling, large windows, ceiling fans, and a fireplace.

Ivie Meadow Room at Foothill with whiteboards

Ivie Meadow Room at Foothill with whiteboards, bright walls, high ceiling fans, and kitchen/dining cabinets and counters

Ivie Meadow Room at Foothill

The Ivie Nest Bedroom at Foothill features two twin beds, wooden furniture, and decorative wall art in a cozy setting

The Ivie Nest Bedroom at Foothill with two twin beds

Ivie Nest accessible bathroom at Foothill with white tile walls, shower head, and small wooden bench in foreground

Ivie Nest accessible bathroom at Foothill

The Ivie building has two 40-person meeting rooms and houses The Nest—a private room with 2 twin beds and access to an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant bathroom. Each meeting room includes a sink, a large HDMI screen monitor, access to 2 bathrooms, a microwave, and a small refrigerator. The rooms can be combined via a shared door.

The Foothill Campus & Amenities

Foothill campus Adventure Course: wooden structure with railings and stone monument in a forested, tree-filled area.

Foothill campus Adventure Course

Foothill in the Snow - snowy winter landscape with path through snow-covered forest trees, serene peaceful atmosphere

Foothill in the Snow

Foothill campus students hiking on outdoor trails through lush green forest with tall trees and hanging moss.

Students hiking outdoors through the trails

Foothill campus meadow stroll: group walking in line through grassy field surrounded by lush forested area.

Out for a stroll through a meadow

Foothill campus: winding outdoor path through lush forested area with rocks and people walking along trail

Winding outdoor path through lush forested area

Foothill Amphitheater outdoor seating with wooden benches surrounded by trees and lush greenery on Foothill campus.

Foothill Amphitheater outdoor seating

Foothill campus amphitheater-style seating with yellow benches in a lush, forested setting.

Foothill Amphitheater

Foothill Pathway Bridge: wooden triangular-frame bridge spans lush green forest, scenic natural pathway

Pathway bridge over one of the creeks

Foothill campus Sky Tower with group seated on wooden structure against clear blue sky.

Foothill campus Sky Tower

Foothill campus MeWuk Village in snow, dense forest with teepees, wooden structure, and post-lined path.

The MeWuk Village in the snow

Foothill Horizons is a California Department of Education (CDE) and California Outdoor School Association (COSA) certified residential outdoor school near the town of Sonora and set amid 143 acres of forest, meadows and creeks. We are owned and operated by the Stanislaus County Office of Education.
 

The Dining Hall & Kitchen

Spacious wood interior with exposed beams and lighting fixtures in a large open-plan building.

Foothill Dining Hall

The image shows a counter with various items such as a coffee maker, condiments, and a display frame on a wooden wall background.

Dinning Hall Coffee Area

Foothill campus commercial kitchen with large wooden table and surrounding appliances and equipment along the walls.

Foothill campus commercial kitchen with large wooden table and surrounding appliances and equipment along the walls.

A rustic, wooden-beamed interior with a fireplace, tables, and chairs arranged in a cozy dining area.

Dinning Hall & Fireplace

Foothill dining hall with wooden beams, tables, and chairs in a spacious rustic cafeteria-style indoor space

Dinning Hall & Board

Foothill dining hall kitchen with stainless steel appliances, counters, shelving, and a wooden table and chairs in foreground

Foothill dining hall kitchen with stainless steel appliances, counters, shelving, and a wooden table and chairs in foreground

The image shows a kitchen area with a sign that reads %22KNIVES FORKS SPOONS%22 on the wall, and various kitchen equipment and appliances visible in the background.

Kitchen & Sliding Door

Our Dining Hall has two large fireplaces and seating for 250 people. The stage is equipped with a screen, LCD projector, microphone, and sound system. A full-service commercial kitchen is available for use by your caterer or kitchen crew.
 

The Retreat

A rustic wooden cabin nestled among lush greenery, with a porch and steps leading up to the entrance.

Teachers' Retreat 

The image depicts a cozy bedroom setting with two twin beds, a wooden desk, and a chair. The room has a warm, traditional decor with wooden furniture and neutral-toned walls.

Teachers' Retreat Bedroom

A wooden cabin-like structure with a porch and railing, surrounded by lush greenery and trees in the background.

Deck of teachers' retreat

A cozy kitchen with wooden cabinets, a round dining table, and purple chairs, set against a stone wall backdrop.

Teacher's Retreat Kitchen & Fireplace

The image depicts a cozy and well-furnished living space with a kitchen area, comfortable seating, and large windows providing natural light. The room features warm-toned wooden cabinetry and furniture, complemented by patterned throw pillows and a neutral-colored sofa.

Teachers' Retreat Living Room

The Retreat has 6 bedrooms with 2 twin beds each, 3 bathrooms, a kitchenette, a stone fireplace, and a meeting room for 12. It also features a lovely deck with forest views, plus a landline and Wi-Fi access.

The Pool

Foothill Intern Pool serene outdoor pool surrounded by pine trees and wooden deck under a clear sky

Foothill Pool surrounded by pine trees

A serene outdoor pool surrounded by lush pine trees and rustic wooden cabins in a forested setting.

Foothill Pool surrounded by pine trees

A tranquil outdoor setting with a swimming pool surrounded by lush greenery and tall pine trees, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.

Pool and Adventure Course

A swimming pool surrounded by pine trees and a dirt path in a forested area.

Foothill Pool surrounded by pine trees

Foothill Pool serene outdoor pool surrounded by pine trees and wooden deck under a clear sky

Foothill Pool surrounded by pine trees

The pool is available to rent with proof of a certified lifeguard. The pool is used by our Summer Camp program but is not used for our Outdoor Education programs.                       

The Dormitories

Dorms Southside at Foothill shows a rustic wooden building in a wooded area with patio and picnic tables nearby.

Southside of dorms at Foothill

Foothill dorms deck: rustic wooden building with metal roof in forest surrounded by tall pine trees under blue sky

Foothill dorms deck

Interior with wooden ceiling and walls; doorway in foreground labeled %22DORMS%22.

Dorms Entry

Dorm sinks at Foothill in a clean, well-lit bathroom with multiple sinks, mirrors, and a door to another room

Dorm sinks at Foothill

Foothill dorm shower area with multiple private stalls, benches, and a clean, well-lit institutional changing space

Dorm Showers at Foothill

Dorm top view sign at Foothill showing Boys Side, Multi Purpose Rooms, and Girls Side on a tree-surrounded building

Top view of Student Dorms at Foothill Horizons

Foothill dorm meeting room with wooden walls, whiteboard, and doorway to another area in a spacious classroom setting

Foothill dorm meeting room

Image of new dormitory room with rows of bunk beds, each with blue mattresses, and a door visible at the end of the room.

New Bunks in Dorms

Student dorm cabin at Foothill Horizons in wooded setting with snow on ground and sunlight filtering through trees.

Student Dorms at Foothill Horizons

This building has 12 dorm rooms—6 on each side—housing up to 200 people. Each side includes 2 large bathrooms with shower stalls and a meeting room with mounted dry-erase boards.
Stanislaus County Office of Education Icon

Key Contacts

Administration Team

Jessica Hewitt

Titles: Director III, Outdoor Education
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673
Biography:
Email questions:
  • Schedule a class for Outdoor Ed
  • Students with Special Needs
  • Busing & Transportation
  • Hiring

Clare Olson

Titles: Senior Administrative Assistant
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673
Biography:
Email questions:
  • Foothill Merchandise
  • Billing & Contracts
  • Outdoor Ed Paperwork
  • Site Rentals

Diann Rastetter

Titles: Assistant Director, Outdoor Education
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673
Biography:
Email questions:
  • The Counselor Program
  • Naturalist Internship
  • Website & Social Media

Alexander Frierson

Titles: Naturalist Coordinator
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-238-1328
Biography:
Email questions:
  • Weekly schedules
  • Evening Program
  • Technology Support

Lucas Smith

Titles: Health Clerk
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673
Biography:
Email questions:
  • Medication Administration
  • Health Concerns

David Josephson

Titles: Lead Custodian
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673

Shannon Perez

Titles: Food Services Supervisor, OES
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673
Biography:
Email questions:
  • Menus
  • Food Allergies
  • Special Diets

Edward Wynimko

Titles: Facilities Lead, Outdoor Education
Email:
Phone Numbers:
Work: 209-532-6673
Biography:
Email questions:
  • Facilities & Maintenance
  • Grounds
  • Vehicles & Buses