Palomar Outdoor School is a long running program
for inner city sixth grade students from
San Diego City Schools. At one time it
operated as a partner with the county's outdoor
education program but since the passing
of Prop. 13, it has been independent of the
other camp programs. Now the camp is a part
of San Diego's O.C.I.L.E program. This
stands for off campus integrated learning
experience. As 4th graders the students attend
the Old Town Program for a week, as 5th
graders the Balboa Park Program for a week
and as 6th graders they attend Palomar Outdoor
School for a week. The 6th
grade program is the only one which is residential.The
students arrive Monday about 10am and leave
for home on Friday about 11am. Each week
involves two or more schools from different
areas of San Diego. The average camp population
for a week is about 230 students, along
with visiting teachers and staff. Some weeks
the number soars to about 260 students or
more, it makes a very busy week. Last year
the program serviced over 10,000 sixth
graders. For many of the students, this is
the first experience away from home. Many
have never visited a place with a beautiful
natural environment like Palomar Mountain State
Park. There is great cultural diversity
in San Diego City Schools and this program
allows for a fully integrated experience.
The goal of the program is to implement
a curriculum emphasizing the key concepts
of identity, diversity, culture, prejudice,
discrimination and confict resolution. Most
activities include the inclusion of one
or more of these key concepts.
The other major emphasis is the appreciation
of the natural world. Activities such as
hiking, animal and plant study and Native
American study are always enjoyed. During
the week students experience personal
growth in the areas of self responsibility, independence,
and comfort in being with other people from
different backgrounds. The camp is staffed
with a teaching staff of 8 credentials and
16 classified instructors, two nurses which
provide 24 hour a day nursing and counseling, a
kitchen crew of 6, and a maintenance staff
of 4. If you are interested in learning
more or visiting the program, please call
760-742-3270.