On Tuesday May 14, twenty-four Piru 5th and 6th graders loaded a school bus bound for Rancho Alegre in the hills above Santa Barbara. This group of students were off on a four day, three night adventure that they had been preparing months for. Just past Lake Cacchuma (uma, uma), is The Outdoor School at Rancho Alegre. This facility is comprised of a dining hall, recreation hall known to campers as Friendship Hall, eight cabin sections for campers to sleep in, a health lodge, campfire gathering area and much, much, more.

Once at camp the students were quickly introduced to the facility’s staff of Naturalists who would facilitate most of the learning events for the students during their stay. Campers also met their cabin leaders and other campers from Somis School in Somis and Juanamaria School in Ventura.

A day in a life of a camper at The Outdoor School is made up of a very structured schedule. Students rise early in the morning and head up to the dining hall for a delightful breakfast. After breakfast it is time for the day to begin. Students participate in a series of curriculum hikes where they learn all about the wildlife that surrounds them in the hills and also the basic fundamentals of biology. They are also able to enjoy special activities of their choosing such as archery, boating, specialty hikes, and even hip-hop dance.

During their day students were also able to work from journals to digest all of the information learned and reflect on that learning. Either a campfire, which included story telling and songs, or a night hike where students learned about night vision, nocturnal animals, and even had a chance to test their own bravery rounds out the day.

Some of the campers commented on the experiences as the most amazing time they had ever had, and even said they have never eaten such wonderful food. For these students this experience was more than a series of science lessons, or a chance to get away from their families and test their independence. It was a chance to learn in an environment that is not a classroom or a school. It was also a chance for them to meet other students similar to them from other schools and learn more about themselves as growing individuals.

The students and faculty of Piru School would like to give a big thank you for the donations received to make this trip possible. If it weren’t for the generous support of community donors, it would not have been possible to send these 24 students to camp.

The following community groups and businesses supported our trip:
Heritage Valley Eye Care, Rotary Club of Fillmore, Bill Herrera, State Farm Agent, La Verne Nursery, J & W Hotel Inc. La Posada, Fillmore Women’s Service Club, Fillmore Rentals, Piru Petroleum Club, Fillmore Lions Club-Project, William L. Morris, and The Scented Path.

Megan Hernandez is a 6th Grade Teacher at Piru Elementary School in Piru, California