"Why should kids come to science camp?  Pebble beach and all of beach day is very fun, exciting and educational.  There are a lot of cool places to hike and new people to meet.  You also get to be away from home for a week.  This place is just fun."  

SJOE is a weeklong residential outdoor school focusing on environmental education. Fifth and sixth graders from San Joaquin County and beyond come to Camp Jones Gulch and learn about the natural world while working together as members of a community.

During the week groups of students are are supervised in their cabins by high school volunteers called cabin leaders, and are led on hikes and other activities by Naturalists. SJOE Naturalists teach about the land, sea and air through the following eight ecological concepts: Adaptations, Change, Diversity, Communities, Ecosystem, Cycles and Interdependence. All of our activities and programs are focused on meeting the California State Standards. While here, students participate in a number of activities and lessons ranging from Forest Hikes to Beach Day, Music Social to Coastal Crash Course and Performing Arts Campfire to Night Hike. Please view our Week's Schedule for a better idea of the program flow.

GOALS OF SAN JOAQUIN OUTDOOR SCHOOL

1) Student gain in knowledge of scientific concepts, ecological relationships, and significant environmental issues.

2) Increased student skills in methods of acquiring information and solving problems, including applying creative and critical thinking processes.

3) Student gain in appreciation of and a sense of responsibility for the earth’s natural resources.

4) Student gain in feelings of self worth and capabilities.

5) Responsible social participation in the cabin and camp community, incorporating and creating group understanding and respect.