San Diego Canyons Campaign - Sierra Club


 

San Diego Canyonlands  is dedicated to educating San Diego’s youth about the value of open space, community stewardship and volunteerism as well as developing a ’sense of place’ in the nature of San Diego. In his book, “Last Child in the Woods, Saving our Children from Nature Deficit Disorder” (2005), author Richard Louv showed how our children learn better in natural, outdoor settings and how nature can help ward off Attention Deficit Disorders and childhood depression (see www.childrenandnature.org).

 

Through collaborations SDCL has developed several youth-oriented educational programs centered on the canyons.  In addition to raising awareness and appreciation for San Diego’s unique eco-systems, all of our youth programs seek to foster a sense of place, ownership, and an ethic of stewardship.  All programs provide opportunities for hands-on learning and canyon enhancement activities.

  • OutdoorExplore! is an after-school program for K-6 students developed in partnership with San Diego Audubon Society and Natural History Museum. Last year over 1,000 students enjoyed our fun, experiential learning in the canyons.  We provide on average six visits and nine hours of nature-time during a semester for the kids enrolled in this program.  OutdoorExplore! has great prospects for growth and has plans to serve thousands more each year.
  • Kids in Canyons, a collaboration with Aquatic Adventures, brings standards-based curriculum to the classroom with educational field trips to the canyons.
  • Our Canyons Service Learning program offers opportunities for high school and middle school students to learn as they earn their required community service credits by helping with canyon stewardship activities.

Youth Group and Scout Programs
Please contact us if you are interested in a youth group project.

Youth Volunteers
Youth volunteers are encouraged to participate with an adult. Unless supervised by an authorized youth program leader (such as a Scout leader, or a teacher, etc.), or unless prior arrangements are made with SDCL staff, a minor’s participation in SDCL canyon activities requires the presence of a parent