arranged camp scholarships for children from South LA. Our success led to a contract with the LAUSD and for 15 years, thousands of children have enjoyed Temescal Field Science Camp.


With the acquisition of King Gillette Ranch in 2007, the MRCA now had another property that was perfect for outdoor education. The local school district, Las Virgenes Unified School District (LVUSD) had lost their camp at about the same time and we were able to step in and fill that need. For the past five years, kids from LVUSD schools have been enjoying overnight camp, learning lessons about nature and the environment.


By incorporating the best of both traditional camp and environmental education, we provide a well- rounded experience for all students. Campfires, night hikes, nature exploration and time for nature play allow students to enjoy all the memorable activities of any camp, while also participating in many of the outdoor activities listed on the California Children’s Bill of Rights (see box above).


California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights


Objective: That every child in California, by age 14, has the opportunity to participate in each of the following activities listed within the California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights.


The California Children’s Outdoor Bill of Rights states that every child should have the opportunity to:


• Play in a safe place • Explore nature • Learn to swim • Go fishing • Follow a trail • Camp under the stars • Ride a bike • Go boating • Connect with the past • Plant a seed


Source: www.calroundtable.org


The lessons at our day and overnight programs focus on the unique Mediterranean ecosystem, indigenous local history and threatened watersheds, and are tied to California State Standards and the Education and Environment Initiative (EEI) (see box on page 8). The students are able to learn their required curriculum outside the classroom and bring this back to school, creating a unique and broad


Volunteer Naturalist Paula shows students leaves at Franklin Canyon Park


understanding of environmental science and conservation.


Final Thoughts


Time spent playing in nature – especially unstructured, imaginative, exploratory play – has long been recognized as an essential component of wholesome childhood development. Children who play outside are more physically


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