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Teachers and chaperones describe educational value of Mendocino Woodlands trip; grant covered most costs
Summary
Staff described a 5th‑grade Mendocino Woodlands camping trip funded primarily by a Mendocino Land Trust grant; cost about $300 per child, 70 students attended though 106 were eligible; presenters described gains in SEL, science, and student writing and advocated for district support for future trips.
Teachers and chaperones described a five‑day 5th‑grade camping trip to Mendocino Woodlands that they said provided nature‑based education, social‑emotional learning and expanded student curiosity.
Staff said the trip cost about $300 per child and that the Mendocino Land Trust provided a grant intended to cover roughly $30,000; about 70 of approximately 106 eligible 5th‑grade students attended. A chaperone said many students had never camped before and that adult volunteers were fingerprinted and cleared by the district. Presenters described activities—hiking (3 miles was discussed), a challenge course, team skits, wildlife observations and writing projects—and said students showed notable engagement and improved written reflection afterwards.
Speakers acknowledged barriers to participation (parent concerns about safety, lack of cell service and anxiety about being away from phones) and said those who opted out sometimes did so for those reasons. District staff noted they are seeking additional grant support to continue the program and asked trustees to consider ways the district can help cover some costs in future years.
Trustees and attendees praised the experience and discussed potential expansion and sustainability through partnerships with local organizations and fundraising.
