The Outdoor Education Program otherwise known as science camp was recently canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Donna Morais, who is a fifth-grade teacher at Shasta Elementary School, is hoping that her students will perhaps have an opportunity to take part in the five-day, four-night experience at Camp Jones Gulch in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
“It’s too bad that they’ll miss science camp,” she said, hoping that those same youngsters will be able to take part in the San Joaquin County Office of Education program that’s offered to fifth- and sixth- grade students.
Manteca Unified officials confirmed they are working with the SCJOE to see if students that miss out this year because of the pandemic can be accommodated next school year. District spokesperson Victoria Brunn stressed that the district does not have any confirmation yet as SJCOE is currently trying to see if they can work things out.
SJCOE’s STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics – Programs handle both the science camp in La Honda and the Durham Ferry Outdoor Education Center south of Manteca along the San Joaquin River. The latter is a day camp at the regional center for STEM and environmental exploration.
Zack Johnson, who SJCOE’s Public Information Officer, said Friday that reservation requests for next year’s science camp were just sent out.
The 34-week program held during the school year in one-week increments also offers a waiting list for possible spots – those openings are based on certain time constraints, he said.
“For some schools, Durham Ferry might be an option,” Johnson noted.
He added: “We know people look forward to (science camp) each year – students, teachers and even parents – and it’s unfortunate. The coronavirus has impacted all of our lives.”
SJCOE, upon receiving the guidance and recommendations from the State of California related to schools due the recent pandemic, made the decision to extend the closure of schools and facilities to include science camp through the end of this school year.
SJCOE will continue to look at other options, Johnson added.
