6th Grade Camp Superhero Rewarded with School District ROSE Award

Jane Linquist, a volunteer coordinating the parent sponsored 6^th grade camp program in the, received a district ROSE Award at a recent school board meeting.

A little over two years ago, the district Governing Board, responding to state budget cuts, voted to end district funding for 6^th grade camp.  This action seemed to signal the end of district students attending this phenomenal outdoor activity and youthful rite of passage.  Responding to parental concerns, Superintendent Brian Marshall contacted the San Diego County Office of Education (SDCOE), who is responsible for the camp program.  The SDCOE indicated that they would be happy to work with parents in the district to organize a non district sponsored camp experience.

No small undertaking, only a comparatively small number of students attended during the first year after district support was withdrawn.  Then into the volunteer vacuum stepped Fletcher Hills Elementary parent Jane Linquist.  Bringing boundless energy, enthusiasm, and solid organizational skills, Linquist agreed to effectively create a new model for parent sponsored 6^th grade camp.

The program proved to be highly successful, with over 400 students attending from schools across the district.

Mrs. Linquist noted that being outdoors was very important to her when she was growing up and she developed a lifelong love of camping and visiting wilderness areas.

She said that the 6^th grade camp program is a great opportunity for personal growth and this is the first time for many kids to be on their own in a safe and supervised outdoor experience.  Some children have never seen a truly star filled sky or discovered deer or bobcat tracks in the wild.  Mrs. Linquist further explained “This is learning without formal teaching.”

Joining Superintendent Marshall for the awards presentation was Wayne Hindle, a program specialist from the Outdoor Education department of the San Diego County Office of Education.  Presenting a supplemental award from the SDCOE, Mr. Hindle stated that “Jane worked tirelessly on the 6^th grade camp parent outreach and registration.”

Even though her children are now in 7^th and 9^th grade respectively, Mrs. Linquist will continue her work on the camp program during the 2012-13 school year.  She eventually hopes to find some donation or grant money which might allow for camp fee scholarships for students in need.