Sending 5th and 6th Grade Students to Camp

Hello, my name is Brian McComb, Principal of Southgate Elementary in Hayward, California, and we are raising money to send 120 5th and 6th-grade students to Science Camp at Walker Creek Ranch.

We welcome any support in helping our students begin their Science Camp journey at Walker Creek Ranch! We understand that many of our families are under financial hardship, and we are fundraising to ensure that our students will have the opportunity to attend Science Camp at Walker Creek Ranch. All of us here at Southgate Elementary are very appreciative of any donation that you can make toward our goal.

Will be attending in March 2023. Science Camp has been a long-standing tradition with our Southgate students and families. It is one of those memories that are long-standing with our Grizzly community. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have missed out on a few of those years and are excited for the opportunity to attend Science Camp at Walker Creek Ranch once again.

Some Information about Walker Creek Ranch:

Walker Creek Ranch is located about 15 miles west of Petaluma and is owned and operated by the Marin County Office of Education. This site's 1,700 acres of grassland, forest, and coastal chaparral offers an outstanding setting for the Outdoor School. The creek, pond, organic garden, and rich riparian habitat provide a diversity of ecosystems for field study. The museum and Miwok grinding rock offer unique opportunities for lessons on cultural history as well.

At Walker Creek Ranch, we equally value socio-emotional learning, nature connection and science education, and global awareness. Socio-emotional learning occurs throughout the week, as students gain independence on nature solo walks, carry their belongings on hikes, and explore their personal growth. Evening programs such as the campfire, barn boogie, and the night walk help promote community, while games and team challenges foster connections and play within each group. Nature connection and science education occurs often, with a focus on curiosity and detailed observations in guided creek or pond studies, habitat games, garden work and harvest, and ecosystem explorations. Naturalists also lead activities focusing on increasing global awareness, with activities and reflections that consider human impact, climate change, the role of race, gender, ability, and environmental justice.

Visit the website for more information: Walker Creek Ranch