Two carloads of Downieville Middle Schoolers returned to Sierra County Wednesday after a three-day voyage of discovery. Eight kids, one teacher, and a parent volunteer spent three days at a science camp hosted by Naturebridge in the beautiful and historic Marin Headlands. “Students learned decision-making skills, as well as leadership and social skills,” says teacher Faith Edwards. “But what they also received was a fond memory of a cherished moment in their young lives – how lucky to be part of that!” Early Monday, they gathered in the Downieville School parking lot, piled in, and took off, riding along the North Yuba River to its destination: the sea. Upon arrival in the Marin Headlands, the kids claimed bunkbeds in the old army barracks of Fort Cronkhite, laced up their shoes, hit the trail, and ascended the bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The wide range of curriculum provided great opportunities to study and reflect on everything from native plants to poetry. There was also time for a stroll along the seashore, soccer in the sand, and a stunning sunset. After a long day of travel and adventure, the kids cozied up in their dorms for the night – rocked to sleep by the distant sounds of waves crashing on Rodeo Beach. Reveille sounded before 7:00 a.m. After a hearty breakfast, it was time to head out on a seven-hour adventure. Low tide gave the kids space to hike south on the beach and visit the abundant life of Pacific tidepools. “The tidepools have a lot of cool animals and plants in them,” says Abby Mooers. “I specifically like the crabs; they’re cute!” Then it was back up the bluffs, cresting a hill to catch a stunning view of the Golden Gate Bridge and downtown San Francisco. After lunch in the field, the students descended to the towering rock cliffs west of the Golden Gate. As harbor seals napped on the beaches far below and seabirds floated on the breeze, our intrepid adventurers spelunked through a hand-hewn tunnel and braved a swinging suspension bridge to reach the historic Point Bonita lighthouse – still signaling to seafaring ships nearly 150 years after its light was first lit. For sixth-grader Anahe Nevarez, it was a highlight of the trip; “It felt like being in the middle of the ocean.” After hiking back, there were showers in the barracks and tacos in the dining hall. Then it was time to cozy up around the campfire to stories, skits, and songs. As the fog descended on the tired students, it was back to the bunks for another well-deserved night of sleep. The kids weren’t quite done yet. The last day featured more time on the beach and then, as a rite of graduation, staggered solo hikes up the coast for one last chance to circle up, gaze out upon the ocean and reflect on the science camp experience. Then it was time to head back – over the hills, around the Bay, across the Valley, up the familiar canyons of their Yuba River watershed, and home – with sand in their shoes, gratitude in their hearts, and memories to last a lifetime. “My mom still remembers going to science camp at Headlands when she was a kid,” said Abby Mooers. “I’ll bet I’ll remember when I’m her age, too.”
Pictured Left to Right: Kyren Antrim, Christopher Nevarez, Kyler Ledesma, Harry Rust, Abby Mooers, Anahy Nevarez, Abbey Daniel, and Maya Gregory-Morales