Participants engaged in instruction in arts, science, and nature experiences while at Camp Arroyo with the WOLF School. Curriculum that was used was aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards.

These trips integrated outdoor skills-building (hiking, camping, rafting) with CA curriculum standards, particularly NGSS/FOSS, emphasizing science, history, & environmental stewardship. Examples included physiology & physical conditioning (American River), conservation biology & ecological artifact identification (Coyote Hills), and historical exploration of environmental impacts (Rosie the Riveter Museum). Geological studies covered landform formation & erosion (Presidio) and the role of wetlands in ecosystems (Tilden Park). Students explored heredity & adaptation (Joaquin Miller) and the physics of electricity & magnetism (Rodeo Beach), applying real-world science concepts to deepen understanding of natural systems and human-environment interactions. SEL components included community-building, mindfulness, & reflection through journaling and fire ceremonies. Activities like podcasts, ecological studies, and conservation tasks fostered environmental justice and stewardship.

We have been working with Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) to help provide gear and training for community members to participate in nature area trips. Additionally, we have been working with the WOLF School at Camp Arroyo to provide experiences for youth while participating on a nature area trip.

Our partnership with Bay Area Wilderness Training (BAWT) continues to be a solid success. They provided the gear necessary for our overnight camping trips and offered trainings to support our teachers and students so they were comfortable using the tents, backpacks and other gear. Clem Miller Education Center at Point Reyes National Seashore has become an excellent partner for our overnight trips and there is growing interest from our schools and classrooms to experience their programming and facilities. We are looking forward to providing more students with this outdoor learning experience throughout the spring and next academic year.

It has been difficult to administer the grant due to the high turnover at Madison Park Academy. Several key individuals who worked on the grant application are no longer at Madison Park Academy. We have been working this year to bring others on board at Madison Park Academy to administer this grant. Additionally, it has been challenging to complete the forms that are needed for the Outdoor Equity Grant Program since the school district only has insurance forms on file for 1 fiscal year.

We built on learnings from previous academic year trips, and were able to provide really meaningful experiences for our students and educators. We incorporated a variety of experiences from day trips to overnight camping trips. Allowing kids to experience different ways of being outdoors with their classmates and teachers is an invaluable experience that builds strong school culture. We also have been grateful for the partnership with our state Outdoor Grant Program liaisons and their willingness to allow us to adapt our program scope of work when we faced obstacles at our original site. This flexibility is key for programs like this, where locations and programming is likely to change due to scheduling needs and weather realities throughout the year. Thank you and keep it up!