SCIENCE CAMP SAN MIGUEL

MISSION STATEMENT 

Science Camp San Miguel seeks to provide children, ages 8 to 12, with the educational opportunities and necessary tools to explore and better understand the world in which they live.  Drawing from children's natural curiosity, it is the mission of Science Camp San Miguel to help them take their everyday wonderings and become independent thinkers capable of making logical decisions.  Campers are encouraged to be resourceful, creative, cooperative and responsible members of the larger group, and by extension, their greater community.

cont.... At Science Camp San Miguel, children survey and study the many fascinating phenomena which occur in the quotidian world.  The camp experience provides for on-going explorations of microscopic creatures, animal habitats and plant life and the magnetic field.  Campers engage in the real work that scientists do.  True to the scientific method,  campers are taught ways to observe, collect, record and organize data.  With these methods and tools, they begin to make sense of what they see and feel empowered to make new inquiries.   Through intensive investigations, campers are encouraged to learn by being independent, resourceful, creative, as well as, critical thinkers.

Topics in the existing curriculum include: nature studies, biodiversity, geology, magnetism and electricity.  Learning how to use (and even make!) compasses and maps help the students learn how to orienteer and this knowledge is applied during weekly hikes and excursions.

 Additionally, Science Camp San Miguel’s curriculum is based on a dual language learning philosophy.  English and Spanish are spoken throughout the day.   Both English and Spanish speakers acquire some second language skills by carrying out activities which necessitate communication.   When children are engaged and when the work is important, they always find ways to communicate with each other to get the work done.  Language, after all, is a tool for learning and shared language experiences help new learners practice what they know and perk their ears to what they want to know.

An after thought...

Science education has long been lacking in school curricula across most countries.  The New York Times reported the US crisis in a November 15^th, 2006 article entitled, “Most Students in Big Cities Lag Badly in Basic Science”.     Science Camp San Miguel offers educational possibilities so needed in the sciences.