The NATURE BUS
Organized by the San Mateo County Youth Commission
The Event
The Nature Bus is an annual event where about 30 youth aged 8-18 in San Mateo County get to hop aboard a professionally hired bus, head to local nature reserves, and spend a weekend outside in nature - bonding with other creatures and life forms as well as one another. Through super fun games, short guided hikes, and volunteer activities like tree planting, the Nature Bus produces an impactful experience on every participant.
Why the Nature Bus Matters
Kids are spending less and less time outside in nature. This isn't only a crisis for our own health -mental, physical, social, and emotional - but also for the very future of life on this planet. "What we love," said Jacques Yves Cousteau,"we protect." Without a deep emotional connection to nature, we will not be able to solve today's environmental degredation.
The good news is that the solution is simple: get kids outside! It is critical to get youth actively enjoying themselves in nature both for human and environmental health, and the San Mateo County Youth Commission has taken this on through the Nature Bus program.
Photo Gallery
Event satisfaction statistics from 2026 participants through an anonymous form, which over two-thirds of participants filled out.
A Big Thanks to Our Partners
Shout-out to...
Stuart Smith, Volunteer Coordinator for San Mateo County Parks, for providing us with service activities and supplies.
Ana Mata, San Mateo Daily Journal writer, for taking interest in the Nature Bus and crafting a thoughtful article about it.
Sayre Happich, from San Mateo Union High School, for great help with outreach.
