Camp Arroyo Expands Students’ Horizons, Increases Environmental Awareness

At Bridges Academy, the traditional “Three Rs” – reading, writing, and ‘rithmetic – are just the beginning. Through field trips like the three-day, two-night adventure at Camp Arroyo in Livermore, they are becoming experts in “The Four Rs” as well. Fourth-grader Leslie explains:

“I had a good time at Camp Arroyo because we learned about nature and ‘The Four Rs’: reduce, reuse, recycle, and rethink,” she reflects.

Learning about the camp’s green architecture, use of solar power, and organic garden, students got a hands-on look at conservation, composting, and other forward-thinking environmental practices. Using field guides, binoculars, and magnifying glasses, the students got up close with the 138-acre camp’s flora, fauna, and animal life. “My favorite part was when we hiked to Cresta Blanca [a demanding three-mile hike overlooking Lake Del Valle]” says Leslie.

“It was a great opportunity for students… to thrive and learn in the manner that they best learn, which is through experiences, dialogue, observation, and fun,” says 4th-grade teacher Candice Camp.

“Camp Arroyo is a good experience because you can learn more about the wild,” says 4th-grader Erika. “[It was] also good because you go on a bunch of trips. I felt amazed to know there are a bunch of things we can do to help the environment like recycling all the plastic bottles and glass. I especially liked the solo hike because we got to walk in the woods alone.”

“It is always an enriching life experience to be away from home for the first time in a setting where you need to depend on yourself and your friends to take care of the everyday tasks of living,” Camp adds. “I always see a great development of independence and trust [on these trips].”

And the learning doesn’t end in the woods. Back on campus, 4th-grade classes connect the experiential lessons to grade-level science standards.

“We did a lot of fun activities like go hiking, gardening, and go see animals from the forest,” says 4th-grader Jorge. “We saw wild turkeys in a big group of about 13 of them. The people there were really nice and you get to make a nametag out of wood and take it home.”

“[If you go], one thing you will absolutely enjoy is the breakfast, lunch, and dinner because they make good stuff like fruit,” says Leslie. “One thing I liked was when we went to the garden and tried new fruits and vegetables.”

Fourth-grader Joshua also has a message for next year’s Camp Arroyo attendees: “You should go to Camp Arroyo because you will go on adventures to the mountains, learn about ‘The Four Rs,’ plants, trees, how to save our world, and try new vegetables. You can eat, drink, and sleep for two days in cabins that have names like Walnut, Pine, Willow, and Madrone.”