Hiking, camping, and service: Field trips in full swing

Santa Catalina Lower and Middle School wasted no time going on field trips in the first month of school.

Grade 4 visited the Santa Lucia Preserve, where they went on a nature walk to learn how different plants were used by the Rumsen people who lived in the area. The trip provided students a good background as they learn about native California tribes in social studies and write their first research report.

About 70 Middle School students enjoyed a weekend camping trip at Lake Nacimiento. To prepare, they practiced setting up tents on campus. The trip served as a bonding opportunity for the students.

Grade 7 took a service trip to the Food Bank for Monterey County to help package meals. They are learning about food insecurity in their community as the Lower and Middle School gets ready to hold a food drive in November.

PreK took their own service trip to the SPCA for their Project of Passion. The students brought blankets and towels to donate and met some of the animals that are under the shelter’s care.

This is just the beginning—students will go on dozens of field trips by the end of the year. It’s all part of Santa Catalina’s belief that exploring leads to understanding.