THE EVOLUTION OF SCIENCE CAMP The banana slugs have gone virtual. The goal of SJCOE’s Science Camp program, which has taken place at Camp Jones Gulch in the Santa Cruz mountains for over 60 years, is to provide a meaningful and enjoyable environmental experience for 5th and 6th grade students. The multi-day or week-long camp program utilizes the outdoors, with an emphasis on California State Educational Standards, by incorporating an interdisciplinary, multi-sensory, discovery-oriented approach to learning to further promote child development. This year, Science Camp had to function a bit differently. Due to the constraints of the COVID-19 pandemic, traditional field trips were
not permitted, and existing annual programs had to find a way to adapt. For Science Camp to remain relevant in the 2020-2021 school year, SJCOE transitioned to a virtual program that kept its focus on the outdoors. In this year’s camp program, participating MUSD students received three live virtual lessons from the Jones Gulch staff, during which students were able to explore outdoor locations. These lessons also incorporated social and emotional learning which, according to SJCOE Science Camp Coordinator Lissa Gilmore, has always been a key component of outdoor education. Participating classes received a themed, week-long activity kit called “Science Camp at Home”. Students could
bring the feeling of Science Camp to both their classroom and homes with five days of fun activities designed to immerse them in a “camp” environment. Any outdoor education experience would not be complete without a nature name and student journal! Despite the new, virtual nature of this year’s Science Camp, many highlights remain rooted in tradition. Ms. Arp’s 6th grade class at Lincoln found ways to incorporate the banana , a longstanding mascot of Science Camp at Jones Gulch. According to Ms. Arp, “We held a banana slug poster contest and even joined the Hard-Core Club! It was a great three-day adventure!” The ‘Hard-Core Club’ event is
a tradition at Jones Gulch, with students eating an entire apple – core and all. Other participating classes, including Ms. Catanio’s 5th grade class at George Komure and Ms. Rotert’s 5th grade class at Sequoia, enjoyed daily nature observations followed by journaling time. Brock Elliott 5th grade teacher Ms. Lins praised the work of the Jones Gulch naturalists, stating, “Our naturalist was amazing with the kids. She made a connection with them even through the computer.” Students were invited by SJCOE to join a live virtual campfire to commemorate their time at “camp”, and each student received a certificate of participation. But Science Camp as we have known it is changing, paving the way for a new, exciting frontier.
Ms. Arp’s Class, Lincoln Elementary School
SJCOE has recently announced that they have acquired Sky Mountain Outdoor Education Center, nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains in Tahoe National Forest, which will serve as the new location for Science Camp for all San Joaquin County students. Situated in Placer County, 45 minutes northeast of Auburn and 28 miles west of Truckee,
Sky Mountain includes cabins, a gym, lodge, and other facilities surrounded by forest and a mountain lake. When the program launches in the 2021-2022 school year, MUSD students will have the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities year-round including canoeing, archery, and snowshoeing. According to Annie Cunial, SJCOE STEM Director,
“These activities will enhance students’ experiences as they learn about the history of the land from the Native American tribes to early California explorers.”
Ms. Catanio’s Class, George Komure Elementary
Sky Mountain will also provide an environment where Science Camp students can gather indepth information about local flora, wildlife, industries, careers and more.
Ms. Rotert’s Class, Sequoia Elementary School
