Fifth-grade students at St. Anthony’s School are about a year away from attending the Outdoor School of the San Joaquin County Office of Education formerly known as science camp.

But in order to earn their five-day, four-night stay high above in the Santa Cruz Mountains, exploring and learning about nature, these parochial school youngsters must raise funds to defray the cost.

 Students of St. Anthony’s attend the SJCOE program as sixth-graders.

Among the fundraising events is the April 30 barbecued meal catered by Texas Roadhouse.

Cost for the pulled pork dinner is $10.

The meal setup is a drive-thru affair in the St. Anthony’s parking lot at 323 N. Fremont St., from 4 to 6 p.m.

Since 1957, thousands of fifth- and sixth- grade students – high school students serve as cabin leaders – have taken part in the hands-on learning experience provided by the fully certified California Outdoor School administrators.

The facilities include Camp Jones Gulch and Redwood Glen, with both providing a unique setting to study forest and riparian ecology.

In addition, students have a chance to experience the tide pools, brackish marsh and Pacific Ocean.

Information on the meal fundraiser is available by contacting St. Anthony’s School office at (209) 823-7303.