Washington Elementary, a Heal the Bay partner school in Compton, just sent its 4th graders camping. Thanks to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority, the students spent two nights at King Gillette Ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains.
The key to inspiring environmental advocacy is to expose kids, at a young age, to the nature all around them. For these kids, many of whom have never left home, the oak woodlands and chaparral will be a unforgettable part of their childhood.
“Kids learn about science and nature by experiencing it first-hand,” said Jamie Cabral, Chief of Education and Interpretation of the MRCA. “They are so excited to be outside in the dark and feel their eyes adjust as they look up at the stars. They can’t believe how quiet it is at camp. They begin to understand that nature is all around us.”
The MRCA has run outdoor camps for local kids for over 25 years, providing environmental education, standards-based learning and old-fashioned camp fun.
Heal the Bay is also partnering with Washington Elementary as part of our Healthy Neighborhoods, Healthy Environment initiative. The school has also just completed a tree-planting project with Tree People. All part of creating a generation of young people who care deeply about the world around them.